Mitrovic and Welbeck links played down, Wan-Bissaka, Reece James attracting interest

The Liverpool Echo have revealed some tasty titbits regarding Everton’s transfer plans this summer as well as scratching a few players off the rumoured targets list.

Firstly, it seems the reports linking the Toffees with Fulham’s Aleksandar Mitrovic are not true.

The Serbian forward has been tipped to leave Craven Cottage following Fulham’s relegation but it appears Everton are not among the clubs interested in his services.

Danny Welbeck, who will be available on a free transfer when he leaves Arsenal, is a player Everton have been considering but is believed to be way, way down their shortlist, making any move unlikely.

The Blues are also not currently pursuing a deal for young River Plate forward Santiago Sosa. Marcel Brands scouted Sosa at the under-20 South American Championships in January but he will not be taking that interest any further for now, despite reports emanating from Argentina earlier this month.

So who do Everton want?

Well the Echo says Brands and Marco Silva are looking for a left-footed winger who can operate out on the right.

We know Silva likes to have a versatile front three who can interchange positions during a game.

Richarlison ended the campaign out on the right but began the season on the left and also had a spell as a central striker. We also know Bernard can operate on either flank (though perform best on the left in the final few weeks of the season) so another versatile forward would give us plenty of options.

But seeking a left footer rules out Bournemouth’s Ryan Fraser and Lille’s Rafael Leao, though both are still under consideration.

Elsewhere, Everton are also after a right-back to provide competition for Seamus Coleman, with Jonjoe Kenny expected to go out on loan.

Crystal Palace’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka is liked by the Goodison hierarchy but looks unobtainable at present. The young defender is happy at Selhurst Park and the Eagles are extremely reluctant sellers, with a price-tag of £70million likely to deter most suitors.

Another option is Reece James, who spent the season on loan at Wigan from Chelsea.

The Toffees reportedly scouted James on several occasions but have yet to make any further moves.

Like all Chelsea players though a lot will rest on the fallout from their transfer ban and who will be in the manager’s dugout next season, with nothing certain at present.