Everton now seem to have decided on which right-back to pursue before the 2nd February transfer deadline.
The Toffees have created a list which can’t exactly be considered short, with the likes of Emil Holm, Wesley, Vanderson, Ben White, Yukhym Konoplya and Brooke Norton-Cuffy all linked to the Hill Dickinson Stadium so far this winter as Everton hunt for a new right-back.
Now – according to Fabrizio Romano – it seems Everton have decided to chase the latter in the final week of the transfer window.
Everton are keen on signing Brooke Norton-Cuffy… are there other positions more important than right-back this transfer window?
Everton have asked Genoa about Brooke Norton-Cuffy once again
The reliable Italian journalist has now taken to X (previously known as Twitter) to reveal that Everton have “restarted” talks with Genoa over the England U21 international.
Romano wrote: “Brooke Norton-Cuffy could leave Genoa before the end of the January window. Clubs have restarted calling. Everton and one more Premier League club while Serie A sides are also keen.”
It was Ben Jacobs for Give Me Sport who claimed last week that Everton had enquired over Norton-Cuffy and received a response from Genoa to say a bid worth £17m would be considered.
Now, Everton have returned to the negotiating table to ask for an update on the 22-year-old, which very much suggests the Toffees have not been put off by that asking price and are ready to do business.
The Arsenal academy graduate has made 20 appearances in Serie A so far this season, scoring one goal and providing one assist.
Norton-Cuffy had previously spent time on loan at Lincoln, Rotherham, Coventry and Millwall before leaving Arsenal for Genoa in August 2024, so he has plenty of experience of English football.
The man born in Pimlico particularly stood out at Lincoln, even earning the nickname Norton-Cafu in homage to the Brazilian legend Cafu, who made 142 appearances for Brazil and won the World Cup twice.
Speaking of the South American icon, Cafu has praised Wesley Gassova, a player Everton are currently in talks to sign from Al-Nassr after losing Jack Grealish for three months to a broken foot.
What Brooke Norton-Cuffy deal could mean for Nathan Patterson
Nathan Patterson has enjoyed a run in the team this month, starting the last three games in all competitions having previously only made one start this season.
Everton fans, who was your standout performer in the 1-1 draw with Leeds? 🤔
However, the potential arrival of Norton-Cuffy could see the Scotland international depart, at least temporarily.
Sevilla want Patterson on loan – according to Sky Sports – and Everton are said to be open to a deal so long as a replacement arrives first.
Patterson impressed in recent clashes against Aston Villa and Leeds, but having endured plenty of muscle injuries so far this term, the Everton No.2 could use a run of games elsewhere to build up his match fitness.
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