With Everton one of many Premier League clubs seemingly petrified to make any movements in the transfer window, it has been unsurprisingly quiet at Goodison Park on that front.
Kevin Thelwell had warned fans that such a month was in the offing, and thus far he has come good on a promise many knew had to happen for the future stability of the club.
That being said, they have not been completely devoid of any links, with Tom Fellows of West Bromwich Albion someone who seemingly could actually make the switch.
Could Everton sign Tom Fellows?
Usually, when Fabrizio Romano offers an update, football fans all stand up and take notice.
The Italian journalist has made a name for himself as one of, if not the most reliable transfer reporter in the business, relentlessly on X tweeting about each and every club.
It just so happens that he was the man to break this interest earlier this month, suggesting that Sean Dyche’s side could strike on his dwindling contract this summer and claim a coup for the man Darren Byfield, Fellows’ assistant coach and briefly interim boss at Crawley Town, branded ‘unbelievable’.
But who actually is the 20-year-old winger earning huge praise in the black country?
We spoke to Kieran Doody, a writer and expert on all things West Brom, to get some in-depth information on the man who might adorn the famous royal blue jersey in the near future…
What would Tom Fellows bring to Everton, and more specifically Sean Dyche?
KD: ‘Tom Fellows isn’t a player who will have an instant impact at Goodison Park, so unfortunately I don’t imagine him playing a huge role initially. It appears Sean Dyche feels the same with reports suggesting the 20-year-old would be signed with a view to loan him straight out for much-needed first-team experience.
‘Fellows has been flirting with West Brom’s first team for some time but of the 18 appearances this season, only three have been starts, one of which was against National League side Aldershot Town despite his side’s injury problems in attacking positions.
‘He has impressed when given opportunities though, and is undoubtedly an exciting prospect outlined by Carlos Corberan’s hope to tie him down to a longer contract before the summer with his current prediction being that he will be a “very good player” in the future.’
How would you compare Tom Fellows to someone in the game, past or present?
KD: ‘It’s too early in his career to be making comparisons, he’s still learning his craft and is being shaped by Corberan into a player to suit West Brom’s current style.
‘His style has drawn muted comparisons to Kevin Kilbane, who Evertonians will know well, given his direct style and eagerness to deliver the ball early into dangerous positions, albeit on the right wing rather than left!’
What type of winger is Tom Fellows?
KD: ‘The winger confidently slotted home Albion’s fourth against Aldershot in the third round of the FA Cup, but opportunities in front of goal have been difficult to come by for him.
‘That was his first senior goal for the Baggies and in 40 appearances on loan to Crawley Town last season he failed to net a single goal.
‘He does however provide opportunities for teammates and offers an attacking threat. He’s a talented ball carrier, completing almost 10 dribbles per 90 minutes.
‘He’s very direct, he receives the ball deep and his first thought is to drive forward in possession as much as possible. He’s very much a traditional winger who attacks the full-back and delivers balls into the box averaging nearly 7 crosses per game.’
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