The Friedkins want to build Everton’s defence around ‘extraordinary’ player after recent £21m bid

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Everton fans are expecting some big moves from the club this summer, as The Friedkin Group oversee their first major transfer window.

Everton didn’t get up to much in the mid-season window, with the club still mindful of PSR.

Carlos Alcaraz was Everton’s only signing in the end.

David Moyes was reticent to spend money, and didn’t want to bring in players just for the sake of it.

The Scot’s stance proved the right one in the end, and he was able to get a lot out of the players at his disposal – something Sean Dyche struggled to do this season.

Everton’s squad will be looking quite different next season.

And it’s expected the club will be in the market for a new centre-half.

One player Everton are looking at right now is David Hancko – and now there is word of an asking price.

Everton learn David Hancko asking price, The Friedkin Group want to build around him

Everton need at least one new central defender this summer.

Michael Keane is not expected to be offered a contract extension and will leave Everton when his current deal expires.

That would leave Everton with just three central defensive options. And that’s presuming Jarrad Branthwaite doesn’t leave.

Everton reportedly tabled a bid of around £21m for Hancko.

But the Slovakia international is going to cost more than that, with TMW reporting Feyenoord will look to cash in for around £34 million this summer.

Interestingly, Everton’s interest in the player is mentioned in the new report, and it’s also stated The Friedkin Group ‘would like him to build the defence of the future’ at the club.

Reportedly, Hancko had been ‘promised’ an exit by Feyenoord this summer. So perhaps the Dutch club’s stance would become less firm if no club came near that asking price.

• READ MORE: Everton ‘pushing’ to sign player wanted across Europe, but rivals can land him for half price

Everton need James Tarkowski successor

It will be interesting to see what Everton get up to this summer regarding new central defenders.

There is probably scope for two new additions, because as well as Keane leaving, James Tarkowski is turning 33 later this year.

Everton need to bring a long-term successor in for him – and Hancko could be that signing.

Slovakian journalist Lukas Vrablik said of Hancko a couple of years ago (via xG Files on Substack): “He’s one of the best players in [the] Eredivisie and on the radar for a lot of clubs.

“I think he has everything that a modern CB should have – from passing to heading and duels – so he could be a valuable asset to every big club.”

Hancko – also described as ‘extraordinary’ Pantaleo Corvino (Radio Kiss Kiss) – is actually left-footed and can also play left-back. So he may not be a natural Tarkowski successor.

But perhaps David Moyes could look to use him in the role Jake O’Brien has been playing recently, only on the opposite side of the pitch, since Hancko does play left-back for his country.