Everton have faced a battle to sign most of the players they have targeted this summer, but that was to be expected.
The only frustration is that the Toffees do not boast the same financial and form-related pull that they once might have had, and so they are often outgunned in their efforts to tempt stars to Goodison Park.
That is not always the case though, and in this particular instance, they should certainly fancy their chances of trying to sign a new face against two Premier League rivals.
Everton face Premier League competition to sign Kalvin Phillips
Having enjoyed a busy summer already, it feels like Kevin Thelwell really is just one or two minor additions away from perfecting his transfer window.
With that in mind, the latest on Everton’s pursuit of Kalvin Phillips comes courtesy of the Manchester Evening News, who actually detail two rival suitors also seeking to snag the Manchester City midfielder.
Given the £150k-a-week enforcer is willing to move elsewhere, with Premier League football being offered from all angles, it seems like the decision will come down to the player.
The report reads: ‘Three Premier League clubs are looking at Kalvin Phillips in the final weeks of the transfer window.
‘Ipswich, Everton, and Fulham are all interested in the 28-year-old for this season as they finalise their squads. Manchester City were looking for a permanent sale for the midfielder given he is not part of Pep Guardiola’s plans but would be willing to accept another loan move following his spell at West Ham earlier this year.
‘Phillips is keen for a fresh start after an inexplicably bad two years following a £45m move to City. The former Leeds star never settled at the Etihad and was hurt by Guardiola’s public criticism of him for returning for training overweight following the World Cup in Qatar in 2022.
‘Everton have been interested for most of the transfer window, and Fulham and Ipswich also have Phillips under consideration. Even if none of the three strike a permanent deal this summer, a loan could be agreed with City.’
Kalvin Phillips could stunt Tim Iroegbunam’s development
Whilst it certainly wouldn’t hurt to bring in a player of Phillips’ undeniable quality, the worry would be that his presence might well stunt the growth of others in his position whilst he occupies a temporary position in the midfield.
Few would likely suffer more than Tim Iroegbunam, who has enjoyed a stunning pre-season and established himself as a real contender to start in Sean Dyche’s engine room.
He is combative and can stick his foot in, but showcased remarkable composure under pressure against AS Roma, breaking the lines with his incisive passing and the way in which he shifted his body to burst forward with the ball.
A dynamic player who has already shocked Evertonians, to see him reduced to a spot on the bench would be a tragedy after all the progress made this summer.
Even if Phillips is the ‘metronome’ that the Toffees need, as he was once described by journalist Phil Hay, Iroegbunam is the future of the club and should be prioritised.
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