Everton are interested in taking Manchester City youngster Rico Lewis on loan this season, though face competition from a number of clubs.
Indeed, the versatile 18-year-old, who can play full-back on either side, as well as in defensive midfield, has attracted the attention of Brighton & Hove Albion, Leeds United and Southampton, as well as the Toffees.
However, City boss Pep Guardiola sees Lewis as an important part of his squad ahead of the 2023/24 Premier League campaign, as the treble-winning coach looks to defend his titles.
That is according to the Sunday Express (Print edition, 30 July, pg 5) reported here by Goodison News, who state that City have turned down ‘more than a dozen’ loan bids for the 18-year-old starlet, including one from the Toffees.
Rico Lewis loan to Everton could be exciting, though now appears unlikely
The young player has bags of potential and was recently compared to World Cup-winning Germany star Philipp Lahm by Pep Guardiola.
Speaking after Man City’s 4-0 FA Cup win over Chelsea back in January, when Lewis made a second half substitute appearance, Guardiola praised the versatile youngster.
The City boss said: “There are players who play for themselves really well, but he (Lewis) has the ability to make all the team play better. He has this ability and it’s not easy to find it. He is our little Philipp Lahm.”
Lewis could be a superb addition to Sean Dyche’s squad this summer, however any deal for the young man would appear unlikely.
Indeed, with the futures of Man City full-backs Kyle Walker and Joao Cancelo still unresolved, Lewis could well be in Pep Guardiola’s starting XI this coming season.
A loan approach for such a highly regarded young talent is a positive sign of ambition from Sean Dyche, though it looks like our interest is coming at the wrong time.