How Evan Ferguson could open the door to Everton right-back signing
Evan Ferguson could help Everton to finally sign a right-back this summer.
David Moyes' side have been looking for a defender on that side on the pitch all summer, but are yet to strike a deal.
It has been a problem position for the Hill Dickinson Stadium side in recent years, and they have not solved it yet.
The Blues last signed a right-back for a fee in the summer of 2005, when they added Phil Neville to their ranks.
The hope is that they can finally get one through the door, so Moyes does not have to rely on playing Jake O'Brien or Merlin Rohl out of position.
Ferguson, who was once a target for the Toffees, may play a part in that.
Why Evan Ferguson’s future can help Everton’s right-back pursuit
Genoa are chasing the Brighton forward, and have held initial discussions on bringing him back to Italy.
A report from La Repubblica on Friday claims that Brooke Norton-Cuffy's sale will be vital to any business that the Liguria-based club do.
It states that the Blues are favourites to sign the 22-year-old, and the Villa Rostan side want to cash in for as much as possible.
He is valued at £17million, which would surely open the door to pay Ferguson's wages, as they seek a loan.
It had been reported that the recruitment team did not have universal support over a move for the former Arsenal academy man.
However, perhaps the desperation to get a man in the position could have changed things.
How would Brooke Norton-Cuffy fit in at Everton?
Norton-Cuffy featured 27 times in Serie A last season, with two goals and one assist under his belt.
He averaged 0.65 shots and 0.85 chances created per 90 minutes, with a cross success rate of 23.5 per cent, according to Fotmob data.
Defensively, he made 3.98 defensive contributions per game, with 1.75 tackles, 3.86 recoveries and 1.59 clearances.
In terms of duels, he won 49.8 per cent on the ground and 32.6 per cent in the air.
The last set to numbers may concern Moyes, but they need someone who have the natural attacking flair of a modern full-back , something which O'Brien and Rohl lack, and he fits those metrics.