David Moyes could face significant attacking selection decisions for Sunday's visit of Manchester United to Hill Dickinson Stadium, with several deals potentially reshaping his Everton squad before the transfer window closes.
The point earned in Saturday's 1-1 draw at Bournemouth may have been overshadowed by the Harrison Armstrong transfer drama, which ended with Everton owners The Friedkin Group pulling out of talks over selling him to Nottingham Forest. Armstrong is staying, but another key first-team player looks likely to move to a Premier League rival.
Ndiaye exit and possible returns
Iliman Ndiaye is being tipped to move to Tottenham Hotspur, with Richarlison potentially coming the other way in a separate deal. Everton have also been linked with re-signing Jack Grealish, a move that has been described as an open secret.
Should both players return to Merseyside, Moyes would face serious selection dilemmas for the clash with his former club. Losing Ndiaye, who since the start of the 2024-25 season has more goal involvements in the Premier League (15 goals, four assists) than any other Everton player, would be a blow.
Wing options and striker competition
Grealish would return fully fit and ready to take his place on the left wing. If he starts against Manchester United, Moyes would have to move Tyrique George to the right or bring in Brennan Johnson or Tyler Dibling, should Ndiaye leave. Richarlison can also play out wide, but he would likely provide competition for Thierno Barry, who could not continue his impressive goalscoring start to the season against Bournemouth despite having chances. Beto's future looks very uncertain.
Defensive moves and likely line-up
Everton are also trying to sign a right-back before the window closes at 11pm on Tuesday, with their focus appearing to return to Kenny Tete, who was left out of Fulham's squad for their Premier League match at Sunderland on Sunday. The need for a recognised right-back could become more pressing if Jake O'Brien departs in the next 48 hours. Should Tete sign, he could replace midfielder Merlin Rohl in the role.
Captain James Tarkowski, whose last-gasp goal earned a share of the spoils against Bournemouth, looks certain to start in defence alongside Jarrad Branthwaite and in front of goalkeeper Jordan Pickford. Vitalii Mykolenko would also be expected to line up at left-back. Armstrong, now staying, should keep his place in midfield. With James Garner and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall certain starters, returning Hayden Hackney may have to settle for a place on the bench again alongside fit-again Tim Iroegbunam, who, like Beto, Ndiaye, Nathan Patterson and Adam Aznou, may not even be an Everton player by the time United arrive.
