Kevin Thelwell is making great strides towards signing teenager who has already impressed at Everton

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Everton have a rich history of youth production and recruitment, having developed some of England’s finest talents across the last few decades.

However, with their finances having dwindled in recent years and PSR looming over Goodison Park waiting to pounce, the academy has had to turn into a money-making scheme rather than a means of excitement for fans.

Tom Cannon, Ellis Simms, Ishe Samuels-Smith and Anthony Gordon have all been sold for solid figures in order to balance the books, upsetting Evertonians who saw a future spearheaded by this contingent.

Fortunately, with Kevin Thelwell having now achieved a greater degree of sustainability, at last any youth products have a path to first-team football without being forced out the door for a quick buck.

Instead, they are now reportedly seeking to bring the next generation to Merseyside.

Everton closing in on signing League One starlet William Tamen

The latest on the Toffees’ transfer business comes courtesy of The Athletic, however instead of detailing a high-profile target, with Everton still trying to sign Kalvin Phillips before the window shuts, they outline a move that is actually progressing, but for a teenage star who remains one for the future.

It reads: ‘Everton are progressing with a deal to sign Burton Albion youngster William Tamen.

‘The 18-year-old centre-back impressed on trial with the club’s under-21 side this summer and Everton are now hoping to wrap up a move to bring him to Goodison Park permanently. Tamen featured three times for Burton’s first team last season, making his professional debut against Everton Under-21s in the EFL Trophy last September, and captained their academy side in the FA Youth Cup.

‘He had a spell on loan at Mickleover of the Northern Premier League in the second half of the campaign. Everton have been keen to strengthen their under-21 ranks and also completed a deal for Omari Benjamin, a free agent previously at Arsenal, earlier this summer.’

Everton looking to copy Jarrad Branthwaite success

By perusing further down the EFL for young talents, it’s hard not to compare this strategy to a few other recent successes the club have had by dipping into this market.

Few are more notable than John Stones, brought in from Barnsley and later sold for £50m, however Jarrad Branthwaite offers a more contemporary, and potentially even more lucrative alternative.

Signed from Carlisle United back in 2020, his rise into the Premier League has been mesmeric, with his technical skillset swiftly developing, catching up to his already monstrous physical assets.

Now arguably the perfect modern-day centre-back, he is a mainstay for Sean Dyche, and will likely only depart if a sum of around £80m is paid for his services.

If they can repeat this trick with Tamen, the Toffees will be onto a winner, as this is proving the most successful on-pitch method of recruitment, and also provides a much-needed get-out-of-jail free card for their finances should the worst occur again.