David Moyes shouting instructions, with Dan Friedkin alongside him and Hill Dickinson Stadium in the background

David Moyes and Dan FriedkinBreaking Media

Why Friedkins are again the biggest hurdle as Everton scouts attend Champions League game

Assistant Editor AUTHORITY Senior editor and writer responsible for daily news flow, editorial standards, and active contribution across the site network. FOCUS Editorial oversight, newsroom workflow, verified reporting, and original content. THE BRIEF Former Sports Mole correspondent Daniel manages the network’s daily output, working between reporters and experts to ensure accuracy and speed. As a senior contributor, he also writes and publishes original content across the network.

Published on:

22 Oct 2026, 6:40 am

Everton sent scouts to watch Porto's Champions League clash with PSV, but any transfer plans may be scuppered by the Friedkins.

The Toffees are already counting down the days until the January window opens for business in 10 weeks' time.

David Moyes is in desperate need of a new striker, while other positions - including right-back and left-back - could also do with strengthening.

Everton continue to be linked with numerous players ahead of the winter window.

And it appears the Toffees are hard at work in finding options given the whereabouts of scouts this week.

However, the latest update to emerge out of Portugal should come with a caveat regarding the Friedkin Group.

Who could Everton have been scouting in Porto vs PSV?

As per Portuguese outlet A Bola's print edition on Wednesday, as relayed by Sport Witness, Everton scouts were present at Estadio do Dragao.

Exactly which player, or players, they were looking at is less clear.

Everton were linked with Esmir Bajraktarevic in the summer, and he played 81 minutes for PSV in their 1-0 win.

Martim Fernandes, who did not play, Alberto Costa and Andre Silva are other names to have been linked to Everton over the past six months.

However, the same report points out how Roma scouts were also in attendance for the match in Portugal.

As we know for sure now, Roma take priority over Everton in the eye of the Friedkin Group, who remain owners of the Toffees for now.

Friedkin Group given Everton transfer wake-up call as David Moyes uncertainty muddies the water

Friedkins' interference 'truly unbelievable'

Hopefully the Friedkins sell up before long and Everton can finally push on under new owners.

While the Americans are still in place, it is unlikely much money will be spent - if any.

As previously reported, the crossover of targets on both Everton and Roma's transfer wishlist is "truly unbelievable".

Unfortunately for Everton, Roma will take priority until the Friedkins are gone.

So even if a target has been identified from the match on Tuesday, there is no point getting too excited on the face of it.

Esmir Bajraktarevic

Everton Football Club

David Moyes