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Everton Eye Rico Lewis as Right‑Back Priority

Benfica’s £87m valuation for Richard Ríos makes that deal unlikely, forcing Everton to pursue cheaper defensive and midfield options.

Overview

  • Everton have placed Manchester City full‑back Rico Lewis on their shortlist as a primary right‑back target, sources reported on Monday.
  • The club’s need for a specialist right‑back follows Seamus Coleman’s exit and the regular use of centre‑back Jake O’Brien in that role last season.
  • Aaron Wan‑Bissaka and Atalanta’s Raoul Bellanova have also been linked as alternative, more affordable options for the right flank.
  • Reports on Tuesday indicated Benfica will not lower Richard Ríos’s reported £87m release clause and that Napoli lead the race for the midfielder, making Everton’s pursuit unlikely.
  • With the Ríos move appearing out of reach, David Moyes is expected to prioritise lower‑cost midfield reinforcements while continuing to seek a right‑back; no transfers have been confirmed.