Everton ‘get Nicolas Tagliafico answer’ as transfer demands emerge

Everton are actively preparing for their upcoming stadium move and strengthening their squad with new signings and contract extensions. The club has secured defender Jarrad Branthwaite on a new five-year deal and completed the £27.5 million transfer of Thierno Barry, who joins recent acquisition Carlos Alcaraz at Merseyside.

Everton's pursuit of free agent left-back Nicolas Tagliafico appears to have stalled following reports from Spain. The 32-year-old World Cup winner, who contributed to eight goals for Lyon last season and reached the Europa League semi-finals, rejected a move to La Liga's Real Oviedo due to salary demands and his desire to join a club competing in European tournaments, preferably the Champions League.

This development significantly diminishes Everton's chances of signing Tagliafico, as the club will only participate in domestic competitions next season. While a lucrative financial offer could theoretically change the Argentine's stance, Everton must now explore alternative defensive reinforcements to compete with and cover first-choice left-back Vitaliy Mykolenko, who made 35 Premier League appearances last season but remains the squad's only natural player in that position.