Everton are now stepping up their pursuit of a midfield “magician”, with manager David Moyes believed to be a big fan, according to a report.

Everton's summer transfer plans taking shape

The 2025-26 campaign will be the start of a new era for the Toffees, with Moyes’ side set to move to Bramley-Moore Dock, and the Friedkin Group are looking to make some statement signings to mark the move to the new stadium.

Manchester City’s John Stones is among the targets at centre-back, with the Blues open to bringing the Englishman back to Merseyside, while Ipswich Town star Liam Delap is an option, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin yet to commit to a new deal.

Not only that, but Moyes is keen to strengthen in the middle of the park, having requested the permanent signing of Carlos Alcaraz, who has been on loan from Flamengo since January, while the manager is also a big fan of a Ligue 1 midfielder.

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That is according to a report from GiveMeSport, which states Moyes is an admirer of Lille’s Angel Gomes, who is set to leave the French club on a free transfer this summer, and Everton are now making moves to secure his signature.

The Toffees are making a renewed attempt to win the race for Gomes, but they may have a huge battle on their hands, with the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa and West Ham United also expressing an interest in the midfielder.

The need to bring in a new central midfielder may also be exacerbated by the fact that Abdoulaye Doucoure, Idrissa Gueye and Orel Mangala are all currently set to exit Goodison Park upon the expiration of their contracts this summer.

"Magician" Gomes could be fantastic signing

The England international has found game time hard to come by in the second half of the season, having suffered some injury setbacks, but his previous exploits in Ligue 1 indicate that he could be a fantastic signing for Everton this summer.

After being called up to the Three Lions squad earlier this season, the 24-year-old received high praise from French football writer Julien Laurens, who said: “He’s one of the best players in Ligue 1, there’s no doubt.”

The maestro went on to catch the eye during his full debut against Finland, given his passing accuracy and eagerness to get the ball forward.

Nottingham Forest’s Jonathan Panzo has also lauded the Englishman in the past, saying: “He’s like a magician. He’s a small player, but his IQ is so smart and he just knows how to get around the pitch.”

It is little wonder that Everton are so keen on Gomes, but it could be difficult to secure the Lille star’s signature, given the level of interest.