Everton are eyeing up a shock raid on rivals Liverpool to sign teenage winger Ben Doak, talkSPORT understands.
The 19-year-old has enjoyed a breakthrough 2024/25 season after being shipped out to Middlesbrough on loan.
Doak chipped in with three goals and seven assists in 24 Championship matches from the first half of the campaign.
Unfortunately for Doak, his progression was halted by a season-ending hamstring knock, with his last appearance for Boro coming on January 25.
However his dazzling displays prior to his setback could see himself on the move once again from Anfield.
The six-cap Scotland international is believed to have no shortage of admirers, with the Toffees keeping tabs on the player’s situation.
It remains to be seen whether Liverpool will allow the youngster to depart with it expected to be a hectic summer at the club.
Doak arrived from Celtic in 2022, but has been limited to just ten appearances in all competitions.
It’s understood that should any suitor look to prise Doak away from Liverpool, they would need to stump up £30million.
Crystal Palace were keen on snapping up Doak in January, but had a £15m bid swiftly rejected by Liverpool.
Meanwhile, relegated Ipswich Town had a £16m offer knocked back as Liverpool held out for more money.
Should Doak end up at Everton, he would be the first player to directly transfer between the two clubs in 23 years.
And he would be the only player to sign for Everton from Liverpool in the Premier League.
Abel Xavier was the last to player to directly swap clubs, doing so in 2002 where he joined Liverpool from Everton for £800,000.
Nick Barmby is the only other player to make the rare switch in the Premier League, having swapped Goodison Park for Anfield in 2000.
As well as Doak, Everton are also in the hunt to sign Ipswich’s highly-rated striker Liam Delap.
talkSPORT understands, that Manchester United, Chelsea and Newcastle also all have the forward in their sights.
But Everton boss David Moyes is hoping his side will win the race, though he has conceded that the other teams may have more of a chance at landing him.
Speaking ahead of Everton’s clash away at Newcastle on Sunday, Moyes said of Delap: “We’ve had a chance to speak to him, yes.
“He spoke to three or four clubs. He’s given us our opportunity to pitch our case.
“We’re probably a little bit behind the black ball but hopefully, you never know what happens.”
