The World Cup is in full swing, and there was always an expectation that the tournament would impact the transfer market, pushing most deals into July and August. It is believed that players and agents will remain cautious, waiting for standout performances that could generate greater interest after the FIFA event.
The risk is that there will be a mad rush after the clubs have played the waiting game. Everton had intended to avoid this by trying to do at least some early business, but so far it has been thwarted.
Talks with Middlesbrough over midfielder Hayden Hackney continue. However, there has been no significant progress as the Championship club value the former England under-21 international, who has just one year remaining on his contract, at more than £16m, a fee they accepted from Ipswich Town last summer before the transfer fell through.
Middlesbrough have made it clear they would be willing to allow Hackney to fulfill his contract if their assessment is not met, and Everton have so far shown no willingness to budge. Officials are aware that other Premier League clubs, including Crystal Palace, are keeping an eye on the situation, but believe Hackney's preference is a move to Merseyside, provided a financial agreement can be reached.
Talks are ongoing, but Everton are also looking at alternatives, aware that they need at least one new central midfielder this summer, possibly two.
David Moyes' side finished last season in disappointing fashion, wasting their opportunity for European qualification and falling down the table. So there's a lot of work to be done and key questions to be answered about the cast.
We have already focused on the situation of the right-back. But will Everton bring back loanees Jack Grealish and Tyrique George for next season? What will happen to the experienced Idrissa Gueye? Will a new left-back be signed? And what is the likelihood of reinforcements in the attack?
Here's what you're hearing about Everton's summer plans, following conversations with a number of sources close to the club, who prefer to remain anonymous to protect relationships...
An uncertain future for Gueye?
Everton have already seen one of their veterans, former captain Seamus Coleman, leave this summer. But could they lose another? The Athletic reported last month that 36-year-old Gueye had not made the required number of Premier League appearances (28) to trigger an automatic one-year extension to his contract, which expires this summer.
Everton said in a statement that they would begin talks on a new contract for the veteran, but Gueye's focus is on the World Cup with Senegal.
At this moment, the most likely scenario is that the midfielder enters into discussions with the club as a free agent, as his contract expires on June 30th. The only way this will change is if Senegal exit the World Cup at the group stage and talks can restart sooner than expected.
Senegal lost their first two games and need a victory in their last match against Iraq to have any chance of advancing.
Even so, there is no guarantee that an agreement will be reached. Gueye will turn 37 in September, and Everton are eager to reduce their dependence on him. The club will look to reinforce even if he continues, but it remains to be seen whether all these positions can be reconciled, especially with Gueye still playing an active role for his national team.
A second midfielder would be sought after if he decides to explore other options.
Will Grealish and George get back together?
Grealish made an impact both on and off the pitch during his loan from Manchester City, finishing the season with the second most assists (six) in the Everton squad despite suffering a foot injury which ruled him out of the season finale in January.
He remained at Everton for his rehabilitation following surgery and recently shared footage of his return to light training.
Everton are open to keeping him next season, but a deal would need to be beneficial to both parties. They will not trigger the £50m purchase option included in the loan deal and will need to consider his high wages, around £15m per season at City, in any proposal.
Another loan has not been ruled out, but they are also waiting to see how he recovers from his injury before making a final decision.
The club are not expected to activate George's purchase option, worth around £25m, but will consider negotiating a new deal with his parent club Chelsea.
A new goal-scoring winger is on the priority list for this summer, but they could target a second flank player depending on what happens with Iliman Ndiaye and Dwight McNeil.
What will happen to the forwards?
Everton believe there is a market for Beto and Thierno Barry this summer if necessary. They will assess their options for the forward position, but a move to a new number 9 would mostly depend on one of the two leaving.
Moyes only plays with one striker and there is a feeling that they don't need three strikers in the squad for that system. Barry has shown some promise but is still a work in progress, while Beto has impressed with his dedication, desire to improve and goals scored in the second half of the season.
A move for anyone cannot be completely ruled out if the right offer arrives, but Everton are also wary of entering a market where top-quality, good-value players appear to be in short supply.
A new left-back?
Ukrainian Vitalii Mykolenko signed a new three-year contract this summer, which will take him until the end of the 2029 season. He is seen as a safe, if unspectacular, option at left-back, and will need more competition next season.
Everton brought in a younger, more attacking player, Adam Aznou, to eventually replace Mykolenko last summer, but the Moroccan international is yet to feature in a Premier League game and could leave on loan before the start of the new campaign.
Everton are expected to look to replace him with an equivalent option, albeit one who could put more pressure on Mykolenko next season.
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