Everton have reached a “verbal agreement” over the signing of a Premier League player this summer, according to a significant update from journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Who are Everton being linked with signing?

The Blues continue to be linked with possible summer signings, with David Moyes well aware of bringing in immediate key men and also young players with bright futures.

Nineteen-year-old Reims ace Valentin Atangana has been backed to join Everton before the start of next season, potentially being seen as a long-term successor to Abdoulaye Doucoure at the heart of the midfield.

The Blues are also thought to be leading the race to sign Jack Grealish from Manchester City, with Pep Guardiola making it clear that the Englishman no longer has a future at the Etihad, having failed to justify the £100m paid for him back in 2021. He could love the idea of a new challenge on Merseyside, however, with Moyes allowing him to express himself.

In terms of outgoings, Jarrad Branthwaite’s Everton future continues to be a big talking point, as they try to keep hold of arguably their most prized asset. Chelsea are among those who have been mentioned as suitors for the Englishman, but many huge clubs are keen on him.

Everton reach "verbal agreement" with £50,000-a-week Tete

Writing on X, Romano claimed that Everton have now come to a “verbal agreement” with Fulham right-back Kenny Tete over a three-year move to the club this summer, with his £50,000-a-week Fulham deal coming to an end this month.

Tete may not be the most earth-shattering signing for the Blues, but he has proven to be a solid servant for Fulham, more than holding his own in the Premier League and being hailed by pundit Robbie Mustoe.

“I just love the way they defend as well. Kenny Tete I think is often another one who is underappreciated. He doesn’t half do a good job, he’s a good defender, steady on the ball, I think he’s a fan favourite and he was missed last year, I think it was last year that he was out for a while. I just made a quick note about him, he was one of those unsung guys at a club that is really important to the way they defend.”

Kyle Walker had been linked with a summer move to Everton from City, but Tete is 29 years of age, and therefore six years younger than him, meaning he could be the more shrewd choice.

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He’s got plenty of experience.

1 ByTom Cunningham

The fact that Tete has shown that he can perform in the Premier League makes him a safe bet for the Blues, rather than bringing in someone from a different league, and he can provide several years of good service at the club.