Everton move one step closer to signing 18-goal Championship star as club identify replacement

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The summer transfer window is officially open and Everton are expected to be busy.

David Moyes is set to receive substantial financial backing from the Friedkin Group, who have lofty ambitions for the football club.

The Hill Dickinson Stadium will allow Everton to spend much more freely in the forthcoming transfer windows, with it forecast to generate an extra £40m a year in revenue.

The Toffees have already been looking into a deal for Nick Woltemade, who was Stuttgart’s top scorer last term.

Tottenham Hotspur winger Manor Solomon has also been linked to Merseyside, though, Daniel Levy is refusing to engage in negotiations as it stands.

Now, one of Everton’s rumoured midfield targets could become attainable as his club are in the market for his replacement.

• READ MORE: Everton have a secret weapon to win £40m Jack Grealish transfer race

Burnley identify replacement for Everton target Josh Brownhill

Moyes wants to add goals to his squad and has been looking for an attack-minded midfielder since arriving in January.

Everton considered a bid for Josh Brownhill in January, but ultimately, the Friedkins decided to keep their powder dry for a big spend this summer.

Brownhill has continued to be linked with the Toffees in recent weeks and has remained really coy on his future, with his contract expiring at the end of June.

Now, it seems like the Clarets are preparing for his departure, as Alan Nixon reports they’ve identified Rennes midfielder Jordan James as his replacement.

They had remained hopeful of tying him down to a new deal, but it’s becoming apparent his demands and other fees are too expensive.

There’s been no word on how close Everton could be to landing Brownhill’s signature, but clearly there is a window of opportunity.

Brownhill 2024/25 stats

Brownhill enjoyed a prolific season in the Championship, helping Burnley gain automatic promotion to the Premier League.

• 42 appearances
• 18 goals
• 6 assists

The 29-year-old was awarded Burnley’s Players’ Player of the Season, evincing how highly thought of he is among the dressing room.

Brownhill actually ranks in the top one per cent for non-penalty goals per 90 compared to his positional peers across Europe, according to FBref data.

So if Everton do manage to agree a deal, it’d certainly add a new profile to the current midfield ranks.