Everton are set to make their move for Genoa right-back Brooke Norton-Cuffy as the summer transfer window approaches its final stages.
The Toffees have already made waves this window by agreeing a swap deal that brings Brennan Johnson in from Crystal Palace while sending Dwight McNeil in the opposite direction.
Despite that high-profile business, Everton’s recruitment team continues to target further additions, with a right-back firmly at the top of their priority list.
Manager David Moyes was forced to deploy Jake O’Brien out of position at right-back last season, an arrangement that failed to make the best use of the centre-back’s natural abilities.
With Seamus Coleman no longer available to provide cover in that position, Everton have been active in searching for a long-term solution down the right flank.
Targets have included Barcelona’s Hector Fort, but it is 22-year-old Norton-Cuffy who has consistently emerged as one of Everton’s primary options in recent months.
According to Tuttomercatoweb, as relayed by Sport Witness, Genoa manager Daniele De Rossi has been forced to drop Norton-Cuffy from his squad amid an imminent offer from Everton.
The Toffees are expected to launch a bid worth €12m (£10m), though Genoa’s valuation of their defender sits at around €20m (£17m), meaning negotiations could prove difficult.
De Rossi addressed Norton-Cuffy’s absence during a recent friendly against Deportivo La Coruna, offering a candid explanation for the decision to leave the defender out.
“There are transfer issues. He’s doing well, he’s growing a lot, but I’ve been told there are transfer issues and we’ve rested him.”
The comments suggest the decision came directly from the club, with Genoa effectively managing Norton-Cuffy’s situation as his future is resolved.
Norton-Cuffy, who left Arsenal in 2024, would be returning to English football for the first time, bringing with him qualities as an aggressive, attacking right-back that suit Everton’s ambitions.
His profile compares favourably to that of Fort, with greater experience making him the standout option should Everton be forced to choose between the two targets.
Signing Norton-Cuffy would address a clear positional need and allow O’Brien to return to his preferred role as a centre-back throughout the coming campaign.
With the transfer window set to close, Everton appear closer than ever to finally landing a genuine right-back to fill the void left by Coleman.