Everton’s £45m target is now ‘one to watch’ for European heavyweight

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Everton’s financial issues have been well-documented, and as such their transfer business has been kept to a minimum.

Often being forced to sell before they can buy, Sean Dyche is the latest forced to work within their constraints, but does have a history of doing so with Burnley.

Therefore, there is hope that the 52-year-old could be the perfect man to lead them into a brighter future, with Kalvin Phillips potentially set to aid him in that task, given the Toffees’ recently-ignited interest.

With the Manchester City man largely expected to depart this January, following his £45m move in the summer of 2022, many suitors will likely be queuing up for the services of the combative 27-year-old who once shone at Leeds United.

However, according to Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg, a European heavyweight has now joined the race, and could be set to blow all competition away.

He wrote on Twitter: ‘It’s very likely that Kalvin Phillips will leave ManCity in winter as his management is sounding out the market now. #MCFC.

‘Talks about a loan with an option to buy. No contact or negotiations with FC Bayern at this stage! It has never been hot with Phillips/Bayern in summer. But: It’s not excluded that he will be offered in the next weeks. One to watch now. Top mentality.’

How good is Kalvin Phillips?

Although opportunities have been sparse for the midfield general, with Pep Guardiola clearly not favouring the Leeds-born enforcer, Dyche could certainly benefit from his talents in an engine room crying out for a controller to partner Amadou Onana.

When viewing Phillips’ first season in the Premier League, having just earned promotion with his boyhood club, it is clear that there are few better options available on the market should he maintain his fitness.

That campaign saw him spearhead Marcelo Bielsa’s remarkable regime, underpinning the all-action philosophy that helped them finish ninth against all the odds.

As such, the £150k-per-week warrior would record 1.2 key passes per game, yet blended such creativity with 1.6 interceptions, 2.6 tackles and 1.7 clearances per game, via Sofascore.

Given the huge fiscal barriers in their way, if Everton can somehow outmanoeuvre Bayern Munich to secure Phillips’ signing, it will mark an almighty coup. However, it is certainly looking unlikely.