Everton

Nizaar Kinsella
Football reporter

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Keito Nakamura has attracted interest from Premier League clubs, including Bournemouth, Everton and Fulham with his impressive performances for Japan at the World Cup.

The 26-year-old winger has an agreement in place with his French side Reims that would allow him to leave for a suitable fee - understood to be about £21.5m - after the club failed to win promotion to Ligue 1 last season.

Everton and Bournemouth have asked what it might take to sign Nakamura with his entourage but would need to attackers to leave before making a move.

Fulham, who look likely to appoint Alvaro Arbeloa as their new manager, are also keen.

Nakamura spent last season playing in the French second tier, despite interest from clubs including Spanish club Villarreal and Turkish giants Besiktas, with offers reaching up to £15.5m.

The versatile forward finished as Reims' leading scorer with 14 goals and then established himself as Japan's first-choice left winger at the World Cup after Brighton's Kaoru Mitoma's was ruled out with a hamstring injury.

Nakamura scored one goal, provided an assist and was named in Opta's team of the group stage. Japan pushed Brazil in their last 32 match before the five-time champions scored a late winner to knock out the Samurai Blue.

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A criticism of Everton in recent years has been leaving transfer deals until late in the summer window.

The news Hayden Hackney has joined from Middlesbrough on 2 July leaves Toffees fans cautiously optimistic for the rest of the window and with a feeling there is now a proper recruitment plan in place.

It is exciting that a top Championship talent has chosen Everton for his next move, but what could come next?

A right-back remains top of the shopping list. It has been a problematic area for years and it is something that needs fixing if the Blues are to push for Europe.

I understand talks with Tyrique George are going well after he impressed during his loan spell and it should only be a matter of time until there is an agreement.

I believe it will also be a deal that will cost Everton significantly less than the option on the loan deal with Chelsea set out in January.

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We asked for your views on Everton's first summer signing Hayden Hackney, who has joined from Middlesbrough in a long-term deal.

Here are some of your comments:

Jack: Good business in my view. I saw a bit of him last season and thought he looked a decent player. Combative yet a bit about him going forward. Next on the agenda is signing both Merlin Rohl and Tyrique George on permanent deals, plus Idrissa Gueye for another year. He is seriously underrated by some fans. Not a fan of Liam Delap, but would love to get Jarrod Bowen.

Ken: Great news for Everton. He was the best player in the Championship last season. He will definitely benefit the team.

Dennis: I'm absolutely delighted we have finally got him. I've seen him on TV for Middlesbrough and he was for me the standout player. He is top quality with a massive future ahead of him. Welcome to Everton, Hayden.

Marc: Is this a complete reversal of Moyes' thinking? At last the Penny has dropped and he's finally realising that an attacking team creates winners! Will this be using the midfield, wingers and long ball crosses to score goals instead of the boring, pass it along the back, negative, defensive strategy that opposing teams break through? If Everton are to be successful then this is surely the time to make it a change for the better.

Ian: Hopefully Moyes doesn't destroy his career like he's done with Tyler Dibling, Adam Aznou, Nathan Patterson and Charly Alcaraz. Just can't see him starting games under this guy.

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Everton manager David Moyes says Hayden Hackney "will provide greater competition in midfield" after securing the signature of the 24-year-old.

"Hayden is a promising young player who we've been tracking for some time, and I'm looking forward to working with him," said Moyes.

"We've had a track record over the years of identifying players in the Championship who have gone on to do really well for us and been good investments. We hope that will be the case with Hayden, too.

"He's an England Under-21 international who will provide greater competition in midfield, which is something I wanted going into the new season."

Listen to what Everton fans had to say on the club's transfer business so far

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"It was always going to be Everton," says Hayden Hackney after signing a five-year contract with the Blues.

The 24-year-old central midfielder, who was named the 2026-26 Championship Player of the Season for Middlesbrough, is David Moyes' first signing of the summer.

"I'm delighted to be here," said Hackney. "As soon as I spoke to the manager, as soon as I knew Everton were interested, to be honest, it was always going to be Everton.

"It's such a big club, with the new stadium and the direction it's going in. I just wanted to be part of that.

"The manager's track record of bringing players from the Championship to the Premier League was a massive part of my decision as well. Hopefully I can be the next one to do it successfully for Everton.

"It feels like a good fit for me, for sure. I think it's a given that you work hard, you run, you make tackles. I'll be doing that.

"I think fans can expect a bit of everything from me – attacking and defensively. I think I can carry the ball well, arrive late in the box, and hopefully score some goals. I think there's plenty more to come from me. Obviously, I haven't played in the Premier League yet, so once I get used to that I think I can kick on from there.

"It was big for me to get it done before the start of pre-season. I wanted to be here on day one and do the whole pre-season with the lads. I can't wait for it. It helps with everything. Obviously, it's a new set of lads who I'll get used to and then also living down here. I'm delighted.

"There are some unbelievable players here and the competition is going to be tough but I'm ready to get going and to compete."

A good way to start summer transfer business? How excited are you by Everton's newest recruit? Do you expect him to have an easy transition into the Premier Legaue?

Get in touch with your views here

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Everton have released their new home kit for the 2026-27 season and it sees the return of trinity amber on the collar and trimmed sleeves.

The traditional royal blue shirt is paired with white shorts that have a blue vertical flash on the sides and matching trinity amber trim on the cutaway.

Matching blue socks with white and trinity amber trim complete the look.

The goalkeeper kit is green with a black collar and sleeve trim and matching shorts and socks.

The kit will be available in long sleeve versions and there are some sponsor-free shirts available for adults, as well as children's or junior replica kits.

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We asked you which players you have watched at the World Cup that you think would be a great fit at Everton.

Here are some of your comments:

Jim: Daizen Maeda - Celtic and Japan midfielder. Great player who's expressed he wishes to move to the Premier League and wouldn't cost that much.

Ian: Kaishu Sano from Japan looks to be the midfielder we'll need if Idrissa Gana Gueye is to be on his way.

Charles: Ben Gannon-Doak. Electric pace and the end product is getting better.

John: Marvin Senaya was outstanding at right-back for Ghana against England - Anthony Gordon didn't get a look in. Everton need a right-back, look no further than him.

Everton will look to add Villarreal and Senegal international Pape Gueye, 27, or Parma's Belgian midfielder Mandela Keita, 24, if their Senegal midfielder Idrissa Gueye, 36, doesn't sign a contract extension. (Teamtalk), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Thursday's full gossip column

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In the latest episode of BBC Radio Merseyside's Everton A to Z, we have reached the letter H.

Paul Salt, Mike Hughes and Giulia Bould discuss Toffees legends, Adrian Heath, Colin Harvey and Tim Howard.

On Heath, who made 290 appearances for Everton, Hughes said: "Great things expected of him when he came to Everton for a record fee. He was a talented footballer no doubt about it. The fans expected a lot and he ended up being a great player but he didn't find it easy from the word go.

"It did take him some time because of the pressure the whole team was under but what a fantastic footballer he turned out to be. He was wonderfully gifted in many different ways, he could play in a variety of positions.

"He was good at everything. He was a great passer of the ball, he saw things early, a great finisher, a great team-mate. Multi-talented."

Listen to the full episode below or on BBC Sounds

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Everton have announced CMC Markets as their new main partner in a multi-year agreement.

The financial services company will be the front-of-shirt sponsor for the 2026-27 season for the men's and women's teams, and under-21s.

Its branding will also feature across Everton's matchday and digital channels and it will work with the club, Everton in the Community and The People's Learning Trust to support community-focused financial literacy programmes for those in Merseyside.

Everton's president of business operations, Andrew Middleton, said CMC Markets "shares our ambitions, our values and our belief in what Everton is becoming".

He added: "This is an important agreement for the club and one that will play a key role in our continued commercial growth.

"Partnerships of this scale help us strengthen revenues, build a more sustainable platform for success and support our ambitions on and off the pitch.

Everton are confident of signing Chelsea winger Tyrique George, 20 - who they had on loan last season - on a permanent basis. (Teamtalk), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

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We asked for your views on Everton closing in on deals to sign Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough and Chelsea's Tyrique George, who had a short loan spell with the Toffees last season.

Here are some of your comments:

Steven: Two great prospects, so good business if we can get it done. I expect Hackney to start, with George providing cover out wide. Let's hope he gets more minutes than last season.

Andy: I haven't seen Hackney play, but he must be decent to win the league player of the season. Hopefully, he'd be another Tim Cahill in his impact. George would also be a good signing, but David Moyes needs to give him minutes! Five or 10 minutes to turn a game around is pointless so give him a run in the team. I want to hear news about full-backs and a striker, though.

Greg: It will only be good business if dithering Dave takes the bull by the horns and plays them, which he probably wont. They are both very good players who will improve if their given the chance.

Ben: Merlin Rohl adapted well to the Premier League and showed that he can be a good squad player and build towards being a regular starter. George brings a directness with some pace that other wingers at Everton don't bring, and Hackney would add good competition in the number eight role. Seems like decent business with low financial risk.

Martin: These are the type of players we should be going for at this time - young with bags of potential and in today's market neither player is costing the earth. However, our main priority was and still is full-back and striker.

Robbie: Excellent news if these two deals are completed. Two decent players and both good ages. More needed, but a good start - when confirmed!

Ian: Still want Moyes gone. He'll leave the two of them on the bench and have all his favourite players in the side as per usual.

In the latest episode of BBC Radio Merseyside's Everton A to Z, we have reached the letter G.

Paul Salt, Mike Hughes and Carl Woodward discuss Toffees legend Andy Gray and the rich history of Goodison Park.

Listen below or on BBC Sounds here

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Everton are active in the transfer market and close to agreeing a deal with two players.

They are Middlesbrough's highly rated midfielder Hayden Hackney and Chelsea winger Tyrique George, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Attacking midfielder Merlin Rohl is also set to make his loan move permanent following a successful spell from Freiburg last season.

What do you make of Everton's move for Hackney? Is he what the Toffees need? And did George and and Rohl impress enough to sign permanently?

Get in touch with your views here

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We're now into the knockout rounds of the biggest World Cup ever and we want to know who has grabbed your attention so far - especially with the summer transfer window a couple of weeks into being officially open.

Which player has raised your eyebrows? Who has exceeded your expectations? Has there been a player you had no knowledge of consistently impress you?

Ultimately, who would you realistically like to see lining up for your team in the Premier League next season?

This is your opportunity to show off your talent-spotting skills - the floor (pitch) is yours...

Tell us the players you want, with your reasoning, here

Enjoy the World Cup across BBC Sport

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From live TV coverage to highlights, analysis and reaction, our dedicated team will ensure you don't miss a kick of the biggest World Cup yet.

And there's more - the BBC has launched live match updates so you can see the score directly on your lock screen through the full 90 minutes and beyond.

This means you can keep track of every game wherever you are - whether you're on the move, at work, or away from a TV. With live match updates on your lock screen, the score is always just a glance away.

This feature will also extend into the 2026-27 Premier League season, so you're never out of the loop.

• Simple steps to set up live lock screen match updates from the World Cup

• How to get Premier League score updates

A new predictor game has been introduced to cover this year's World Cup, allowing users to pick what they think will be the result from every match.

The game also features streaks, so make sure to check in each day and make your predictions.

• Play World Cup Predictor here (UK users only)

Ever wanted to see a World Cup match from every angle? How about a full-pitch tactical view? Or even see the match through the eyes of a player?

Well, now you can with Fifa World Cup 3D Experience, which is a UK-first that is only available on BBC Sport.

The interactive game experience gives viewers more choice to explore the match both in real time, highlights and full-match replays.

• Head here to get started

Finally, here are some more handy links:

• How to follow the World Cup across the BBC

• All the highlights and best video

• Beat the time difference and catch up on everything without any spoilers

• Take a dive into each of the 48 squads here

• Play our World Cup quizzes

Everton are frontrunners to sign Chelsea striker Liam Delap as they work towards agreeing personal terms for the 23-year-old. (Football Insider), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column

Follow the gossip column on BBC Sport

The sixth episode of BBC Radio Merseyside's A to Z of Everton focuses on the letter F - so who else would they discuss but club legend Duncan Ferguson?

The centre-forward made 273 appearances across two separate spells at Goodison Park, scoring 72 goals and contributing 15 assists.

BBC Radio Merseyside's Phil Munns said: "Duncan Ferguson was a talismanic figure for Everton. For many fans of my generation, and even maybe some a little bit older, he was the original Everton hero.

"Even though his goalscoring record might not be up there with the Graeme Sharp's of the game, there was just something about the way he wore his heart on his sleeve.

"He was the big Scot. He was the battering ram. In his peak, he was an absolutely brilliant footballer as well as being a huge aerial threat."

Ferguson initially joined Everton on loan in 1994, but manager Joe Royle made the move permanent when he took over from Mike Walker.

The 6ft4in striker went on to score his first goal against Merseyside rivals Liverpool in Royle's first match as manager, and scooped up the one honour of his career - the 1995 FA Cup - that very same season.

BBC Radio Merseyside's Ian Kennedy added: "He was a big guy so he was great in the air, but there was more to his game than that.

"One of the things that helped him hit the ground running was his derby-day goal against Manchester United. When you do that, you are almost set for life.

"He was a player for a big occasion. He scored some important goals against big sides in the Premier League. I would've hated to have had to mark him because he was such a trademark number nine figure, of old-school proportions really.

"Injuries did get in the way and he probably should've scored more goals than he did, but he had that passion about him. He gave 100% and he demanded 100% of the people around him as well."

Listen to the episode above by pressing play or on BBC Sounds here

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In the final part of Friday's Q&A, BBC radio Merseyside's Giulia Bould focuses on the manager's future as he enters the final year of his current deal and how the scouting department works at Everton.

Mark asked: Are there any talks of a new contract for David Moyes? It's very unusual for a manager to go into the last year of his contract heading into a big summer window and new season.

Giulia: The manager has made clear it isn't a concern for him. Nothing has been confirmed from Everton's side in terms of an extension, but CEO Angus Kinnear made clear at the end of the season that stability is key to continued progress, and Moyes' experience provides that. It is my understanding the manager is relaxed about the situation.

Kinnear's programme notes were a direct counter to some suggestions the manager may be replaced at the end of the campaign.

Recruitment-wise, it was always seen as a two-window approach. Kinnear added: "Our job in the coming weeks and months is to continue with what we always knew would be a two-summer window plan, and ensure the squad has enough depth to mount an even more compelling challenge next term."

So, the manager's contract would always have worked in that timeframe. I could see an extension for Moyes, especially if 2026-27 starts well.

• Get Everton score updates on your lock screen next season

Andy asked: How does Everton's scouting board work? And how much do you think Moyes really controls in terms of transfers?

Giulia: Once Kevin Thelwell left in the summer of 2025 the role of director of football at Everton was removed and there is now a "football leadership group" instead.

Back in January, the CEO revealed that The Friedkin Group looked at how it all operated when it took over and "the recruitment structures we put in place, marrying world-class analytics with industry-leading talent identification and player trading capability, have borne fruit" - referring to the likes of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Merlin Rohl and, of course, Jack Grealish.

There was also an end to signing short-term fixes, even if it meant the squad would be low on numbers.

But who has the main say in that group? I put this to Moyes in January and he told me: "I have got the final say if we want to buy a player or if we don't want to buy a player. Obviously, I get told by my superiors how much we have got to spend and what we have got available, so I have to work off those thoughts."

Ultimately, then, the buck stops with the manager. After all, if he feels a player isn't good enough, he just won't select him on matchday.

Scroll back down this page for the other two parts of Giulia's Q&A, which look at subjects including transfers, how the club can compete at the top level and how the Burnley financial case might affect the club this summer.

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In the second part of Friday's special Q&A, BBC Radio Merseyside's Giulia Bould focuses on how the Toffees can compete with the top clubs, which youth players could make an impact at Hill Dickinson Stadium in the future and whether the financial case with Burnley will affect what the club can do in the transfer market.

Ronan asked: What realistic path back to the top exists for Everton and which young players could define our future?

Giulia: As frustrating as it is, time is a big factor. As highlighted by the recent independent panel ruling over a compensation payout to Burnley, The Friedkin Group bought a troubled club that had been chaotically run for years.

However, after spending a full season turning Everton into a financially sound business model, now is the time for the owners to put down some markers on the pitch. There were flashes of what the Toffees can do with a first win at Old Trafford in 13 years and that emphatic victory over Chelsea in March, but the squad was just too small to grind out results for a European finish. That now has to be the aim this coming season if the club is to create that pathway to the top.

As for young players, Harrison Armstrong is one to watch. The 19-year-old went to Preston on loan in the first half of the season but had to be brought back amid an injury crisis, then once the likes of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall returned from the treatment room and Iliman N'Diaye was back from Afcon, he was reduced to substitute appearances.

There are high hopes he has what it takes to become a Premier League regular, and the manager is a fan.

There is huge excitement around Braiden Graham. The forward was nominated for the Premier League 2 Player of the Season award after an impressive campaign in the academy and now Everton are looking to reward him with a new contract.

The 18-year-old is yet to feature for the first team and the plan for him could include a loan spell at an EFL side first given David Moyes told me: "We need him to build up his physicality and speed [before he can be promoted]."

• Which players you've watched at the World Cup do you want Everton to sign?

David asked: Is Everton's transfer business going to be affected by what has happened between ourselves and Burnley?

Giulia: It is something that a lot of Evertonians were immediately concerned about. The club confirmed it will appeal against the decision and it could be months before that process is even heard.

However, I am informed there will be no impact on the summer transfer activity as a result of the ruling.

The Toffees are in a much more solid place with the finances thanks to the earning capacity of Hill Dickinson Stadium, not just on a matchday but also with the extra revenue coming in from other events such as Magic Weekend.

Whatever the outcome of the appeal, if Everton still have to pay Burnley a compensation package, the amount won't be included in PSR calculations.

Come back to this page later on Friday for the third and final part of Giulia's Q&A, which will look at Moyes' future at the club and how the scouting department works.