The Everton factor that could determine success of 'serious' Brooke Norton-Cuffy transfer chase
Everton are ready to begin official negotiations to sign Genoa defender Brooke Norton-Cuffy.
The right-back has been on the Toffees' radar since the winter transfer window and they're ready to reopen talks to sign him.
David Moyes is clearly in desperate need of reinforcements in the backline, and the 22-year-old could be one of them.
The Hill Dickinson Stadium hierarchy are determined to bring Norton-Cuffy back to England this summer.
It will be interesting to see whether the Blues can get a deal over the line for the Arsenal academy graduate.
The race for the England youth international's signature could gain pace soon as the Merseyside outfit look to provide competition and cover for Jake O'Brien.
Everton learn Brooke Norton-Cuffy price tag
Genoa signed Norton-Cuffy in the summer of 2024 from Arsenal for a total fee of £3.5million with a sell-on clause.
The English defender has developed into a key player for the Serie A club, starting 25 league matches last season.
Fulham are also interested in the right-back but are behind the Toffees, who are "serious" about him and are ready to begin talks.
According to Genoa Today on 15 July, the Rossoblu value Norton-Cuffy at around £12.7m.
The Cottagers are on the sidelines for now but are awaiting the Blues' next steps regarding the defender's signing.
Genoa know any potential deal could be completed swiftly, and speed could determine the success of the Merseyside outfit's move for the right-back.
Friedkin Group can't repeat transfer mistake under David Moyes
Goodison News covered reports of Everton's interest in Kenny Tete last summer, with a deal looking all but complete at one stage.
The Toffees eventually failed to get a deal over the line for the Fulham defender on a free transfer and they didn't make any moves to sign an alternative.
As a result, Moyes was forced to heavily rely on O'Brien at right-back last season, with the Republic of Ireland international struggling to give the Blues an edge in the final third from out wide.
The Friedkin Group can't repeat the same mistakes from last summer and hang Moyes out to dry.
Whether or not the Merseysiders get Norton-Cuffy, they must sign a new right-back.