David Moyes will face a new managerial rival with Everton in the Premier League next season after Crystal Palace appointed Pierre Sage.
The Frenchman arrives in England after guiding RC Lens to the Coupe de France last term, while also pushing PSG close in the Ligue 1 title race.
Crystal Palace are trying to beat Everton to the signing of Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough to help Sage, but the Eagles may also take another Toffees target in Santiago Castro – according to Il Resto del Carlino.
How would you feel about Hayden Hackney becoming Everton’s first signing? 🤩
Crystal Palace join Everton in battle to sign Santiago Castro
It was TEAMtalk who claimed in March that Everton want to sign Castro this summer, as Moyes tries to find competition for Beto and Thierno Barry.
That report claimed Bologna want £35m to sell the Argentina U20 international, although a bidding war could now commence as Crystal Palace join the race.
The UEFA Conference League winners could lose Jean-Philippe Mateta as the France international enters the final 12 months of his contract, so replacements are being explored.
Il Resto del Carlino add that Nottingham Forest and Chelsea are also considering a move for Castro, who impressed for Bologna last season with seven goals and three assists in 35 appearances.
Juventus, AC Milan and The Friedkin Group’s other side Roma are also said to be keen on signing the South American – so Everton certainly have work to do if this deal is going to materialise.
Another option for the Toffees is Liam Delap.
Everton remain interested in the Chelsea No.9 despite the striker rejecting Moyes in favour of a move to Stamford Bridge last summer, although there is competition from Newcastle and Tottenham for the England U21 international.
Where does Thierno Barry go from here? This Everton fan has had ENOUGH! 😡
Second week in a row fans have been left furious
Beto and Barry would be wise to knuckle down and impress throughout pre-season, as it sounds like Everton are ready to shove both of them to the bench.
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