- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
Everton have been operating on a limited budget over the last few years.
The Toffees’ Financial Fair Play restraints have been well documented but with the Friedkin Group set to takeover at Goodison Park, there’s expected to be more activity in the upcoming transfer windows.
Sean Dyche’s side evidently need major surgery if they’re to progress to the next level and become an established top-half Premier Legaue club once again.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 14 |  Man UtdManchester United | 9 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 8 | 11 | -3 | 11 |
| 15 |  LeicesterLeicester | 9 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 13 | 17 | -4 | 9 |
| 16 |  EvertonEverton | 9 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 10 | 16 | -6 | 9 |
| 17 |  Crystal PalaceCrystal Palace | 9 | 1 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 11 | -5 | 6 |
| 18 |  IpswichIpswich | 9 | 0 | 4 | 5 | 9 | 20 | -11 | 4 |
So, given the links to Sunderland midfielder Chris Rigg of late, we decided to get in contact with transfer specialist Graeme Bailey who has provided us with the latest on the interest around the teenage sensation.
Jordan Pickford made Everton aware of Chris Rigg
Speaking to Everton News, Graeme Bailey revealed that Chris Rigg has interest from Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and Manchester United.
He also noted that Everton have been made aware of his talent by their Sunderland-born goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
“Chris Rigg since he was 14 was known to every major club in England, especially the ones in the North,” Bailey said.
“Everton will also have had the inside line on him from none other than Jordan Pickford. Pickford left Sunderland in 2017 but he still has close ties to the area and will have passed on the information to the recruitment team.”
Everton’s only chance of signing Rigg would be if they provide a clear development plan
Bailey further noted that Everton’s chances of landing Rigg are pretty slim but if they can show a clear development plan, perhaps that’d sway his thinking when deciding his next club.
“Rigg himself has his choice of clubs, and it will be fascinating to see his next move – will he join a Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund or Manchester United – all who are amongst those who like him, or will he think he’d be better served joining someone a little further down the food chain, like Everton, and progress in that way?
“I would think that is Everton’s only chance at this point, but with the new stadium coming, Everton are very much a different project going forward.”
The potential signing of Rigg is certainly an exciting one for supporters, though, it remains to be seen if the Merseysiders are willing to outlay the £25m Sunderland want for his signature.
- READ MORE: Sean Dyche has just issued update on Dwight McNeil’s injury ahead of Everton vs Southampton
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