Everton are making serious moves in the transfer market this summer as they target a number of cut-price deals across English football.
The Toffees narrowly missed out on European qualification last season and are now determined to build a squad capable of pushing further up the Premier League table.
Among their targets is Southampton goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, who is set to depart St Mary’s following the club’s failure to secure promotion from the Championship.
Ramsdale’s loan spell at Newcastle United has also come to an end, and he is reportedly keen to secure a permanent return to the top flight.
According to SportsBoom, Everton have joined the race to sign the England international, who is seen as a long-term successor to first-choice stopper Jordan Pickford.
The Toffees have been handed a significant boost in their pursuit, with Southampton completing the permanent signing of Daniel Peretz from Bayern Munich in a deal worth £7m.
Peretz’s arrival effectively fills the void left by Ramsdale at Southampton, meaning the club may now be more open to selling the goalkeeper outright.
Ramsdale, who has been dubbed “unbelievable” by Newcastle boss Eddie Howe, remains a highly regarded figure in English football despite his recent spell out of a starting role.
Everton view the 28-year-old as the ideal candidate to eventually replace the 32-year-old Pickford between the sticks at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in the years ahead.
At the peak of his powers, Ramsdale brings with him considerable Premier League experience, having previously challenged for the title with Arsenal before the arrival of David Raya.
Ramsdale has also served as one of Pickford’s international deputies for England, meaning his understanding of the position demands at the highest level is well established.
The Toffees are not limiting their summer ambitions to the goalkeeper market, with Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney also attracting interest and potentially available for around £10m.
Arsenal’s Gabriel Jesus is another name on the Everton radar, with the Brazilian reportedly available for approximately £20m, representing strong value in the current market.
The broader transfer strategy at Everton appears focused on identifying smart, value-driven signings rather than lavish expenditure, which suits the current direction of the Friedkin project.
If Ramsdale does make the move to Merseyside, it would represent a significant statement of intent from a club clearly building with the future firmly in mind.