Everton finally eyeing first new signing of the summer

Everton are a rare breed in the Premier League in that they are still to sign anyone this summer, although this may be about to change as they lead the race to sign Liam Ridgewell from Birmingham.

Money is scarce at Everton and this has impacted the options of David Moyes in the transfer market, particularly in preventing him signing a much-needed striker.

There is a strong possibility that Phil Jagielka will leave in the coming days before the end of the transfer window to Arsenal and that may allow Moyes to make one or two cheap recruits.

However, a new defender will be needed to replace England international Jagielka and Ridgewell would fit much of the criteria.

Birmingham are arguably in a worse financial position than Everton and are virtually giving away their squad in order to trim their wage bill and balance the books.

Therefore, Ridgewell is liable to be available in a cut-price deal and his defensive versatility could prove a vital asset for Everton.

But it would be foolish to say that Everton would not be weaker if these two deals were to go through and would leave them facing a massive challenge to finish in the top six and potentially even the top half of the Premier League.

Everton lost their Premier League opener at home to newly-promoted QPR and the pressure will build on the club further if they fail to take anything from their trip to Blackburn next.

It is highly unlikely that any Ridgewell signing will be completed before the clash with Blackburn, with Everton slight favourites in the Premier League odds to take the three points at 11/8.

Blackburn’s odds are 13/8 to beat Everton and the only thing that can be guaranteed is that at least one of the duo will gain their first Premier League point of the season from the fixture.