Everton's search for a new right-back has hit a roadblock as competition intensifies for Barcelona defender Hector Fort. The Toffees have identified the right-back position as a priority area for manager David Moyes this summer, but securing their preferred target is proving to be a challenging task.
Recent reports indicate that La Liga side Real Sociedad and former club Elche have entered the race for the 20-year-old defender, with a decision regarding his future expected imminently. Valued at around 10 million euros, Fort has been given the green light to seek a permanent departure following his loan spell last season.
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Subscribe"Everton will have to move quickly if they want to sign Fort," sources close to the negotiations indicate, especially as rival clubs make concrete approaches for the young full-back.
Despite acknowledging the supporters" frustration over transfer delays, Everton CEO Angus Kinnear recently emphasized that the club remains committed to patient recruitment in order to secure the right profile for the squad.
Toffees Evaluate Alternative Right-Back Options
With a deal for Hector Fort facing complications, Everton are actively monitoring several alternative candidates to bolster their defensive options before the transfer window closes. Strasbourg defender Guela Doue has previously ranked high on the club's shortlist, though valuation concerns remain a factor.
Crystal Palace star Daniel Munoz has also emerged as a prominent alternative following an impressive Premier League campaign that yielded multiple goal contributions. Palace are reportedly willing to listen to offers around 25 million pounds for the Colombian international.
Fulham utility player Timothy Castagne represents another intriguing prospect for the Merseyside club due to his ability to cover both right-back and left-back positions effectively. While Fulham are initially reluctant to sell, potential squad additions could alter their stance.
Club officials remain confident that a quality reinforcement will arrive before the deadline, ensuring the team is well-prepared for the demanding domestic campaign ahead.