Everton ready to launch €70m bid for Tottenham target as David Moyes steps up interest
Everton are preparing an astonishing €70 million offer for Napoli midfielder Scott McTominay, a player who has been heavily scouted by Tottenham Hotspur ahead of the January transfer window. The move signals Everton’s growing ambition under David Moyes, while simultaneously complicating Spurs’ plans to strengthen their struggling midfield.
Tottenham still searching for the missing piece in midfield
Tottenham entered the season with the intention of rebuilding their squad, particularly in attack, and they made several eye-catching signings during the summer. The arrivals of Mohammed Kudus, Xavi Simons, and Randal Kolo Muani were intended to give Thomas Frank a sharper, more unpredictable frontline.
However, despite this attacking overhaul, Spurs failed to address one of the most obvious issues in their squad: the lack of a natural, dynamic box-to-box midfielder. This oversight has become increasingly problematic as the season has progressed.
At present, Frank has been turning to Rodrigo Bentancur to fill the #8 role—an assignment that requires constant energy, ball-carrying ability, and a knack for influencing both defensive and attacking phases. While Bentancur offers plenty of quality, it has become clear that he does not consistently provide the forward thrust or final-third presence that Frank’s system demands.
Spurs’ home form has exposed this weakness. The North London side have dropped points in five of their first six league games at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, leaving fans frustrated with Frank’s conservative midfield pairings. His decision to rely heavily on two defence-first midfielders—Bentancur and Joao Palhinha—has been criticised by supporters who want a more assertive, progressive approach.
Tottenham’s pursuit of Scott McTominay faces new competition
Reports in Italy and England continue to link Tottenham with Napoli star Scott McTominay, who has enjoyed a remarkable transformation since moving to Serie A. The 28-year-old played an instrumental role in Napoli’s title-winning campaign last season, delivering 13 goals and four assists while emerging as one of the most dominant box-to-box midfielders in Europe.
McTominay’s rise has not gone unnoticed. His powerful running, goal threat, and ability to impact both ends of the pitch have earned him the Serie A Most Valuable Player award and even a surprise nomination for the Ballon d’Or. He has also continued to shine on the international stage, recently scoring a spectacular overhead kick that helped secure Scotland’s place at the World Cup.
Tottenham view him as an ideal partner for Palhinha—a midfielder who would not only bring balance to Frank’s system but also inject much-needed aggression and attacking impetus into the centre of the pitch.
Everton prepare massive €70m offer as Moyes sees “another Fellaini”
However, Spurs’ pursuit of McTominay has now hit a major obstacle. According to reports from Fichajes, Everton are preparing a huge €70 million bid for the midfielder in January. David Moyes is believed to be driving the push, seeing McTominay as a player capable of replicating the impact Marouane Fellaini once had under his guidance.
Moyes reportedly plans to use McTominay not just as a midfielder, but as a hybrid second striker—someone who can attack the box, dominate aerial duels, and give Everton a new dimension going forward. The Toffees hope that such a signing could propel them up the table and put them in contention for a European spot.
A crucial decision ahead for Tottenham
For Tottenham, the choice should, in theory, be straightforward. McTominay is entering the prime of his career, possesses the exact profile their midfield lacks, and could immediately elevate Frank’s system. His versatility, ability to score goals from midfield, and tactical intelligence make him a clear upgrade on the current options.
The question now is whether Spurs are willing to match Everton’s financial muscle—or whether the Scottish international will become another name on the long list of players linked to Tottenham without ever making the move.