Everton Closing In on Free Transfer for Kenny Tete

Everton are nearing an agreement to sign Fulham right-back Kenny Tete on a free transfer, with talks over a three-year deal at an advanced stage.

Manager David Moyes has identified the position as a priority this summer following the departure of 39-year-old Ashley Young and uncertainty surrounding club captain Seamus Coleman’s future.

Tete, 29, is out of contract at Fulham at the end of the month. The Cottagers had been keen to keep hold of the Dutch international, but Everton have now made him a leading target.

Capped 14 times by the Netherlands, Tete brings proven top-flight experience and is seen as the ideal fit for Moyes, who wants Premier League-ready reinforcements as he reshapes the squad.

Jake O’Brien filled in admirably at right-back under Moyes last season after previously being overlooked by Sean Dyche, while Nathan Patterson has also featured. However, the Blues boss has been keen to add a more established option.

The club had been linked with the likes of Kyle Walker, Kyle Walker-Peters, and Vladimir Coufal — the latter a former Moyes signing at West Ham — but Tete has emerged as the preferred choice.

A product of the Ajax academy who also had a spell with Lyon, Tete spent nearly five years at Craven Cottage and now looks set to make the move to Hill Dickinson Stadium.