Transfer News

Everton target left out of matchday squad with deadline day transfer a near ‘certainty’

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Everton manager David Moyes has been keen to get 10 new players in this summer transfer window.

Everton have made eight signings so far, so that means there could be another two before Monday’s 7pm deadline.

Tomas Soucek is believed to be on Moyes’ shortlist, and a £14m bid was lodged for the West Ham United midfielder earlier this week.

However, the Hammers swiftly turned it down, so the Toffees will have to up their offer within the next 24 hours.

A defender is also on Everton’s list of priorities, and one target has now been left out of a matchday squad.

Everton target Hector Fort left out of Barcelona squad

Moyes is looking to bring in a right-back on before the window slams shut, with Nathan Patterson’s exit leaving that area of the pitch very light.

Seamus Coleman is the only senior right-back at the club, with Jake O’Brien still considered a centre-back.

Barcelona right-back Hector Fort is of interest to Everton and now there has been a fresh development on that potential transfer.

Fort, who made 21 appearances for the La Liga giants last term, has been left out of their squad to face Rayo Vallecano this evening.

According to Mundo Deportivo, the 19-year-old is a ‘certainty’ to leave in the final hours of the window, with Mallorca also looking to do a deal.

Hector Fort’s impressive stats

Fort, who came through the La Masia academy, is a very technically sound footballer, as expected.

According to FBref data, the 19-year-old ranks in the top two per cent for successful passes per 90 compared to his positional peers across Europe.

He also sits in the top five per cent for blocks, showing that he conducts his defensive duties proficiently, too.

The data suggests Fort is of a very similar profile to Chelsea right-back Malo Gusto, which is an encouraging comparison.

Given his age, Moyes would likely take his time with him and allow him to adjust to Merseyside before throwing him into Premier League action.