Everton appear to be closing in on a huge signing this summer, as Sportsboom claims that advanced talks are already underway for one potential target.

The Toffees are looking to build on the current talent available at David Moyes’s disposal, having comfortably avoided any talk of relegation from the Premier League after recent campaigns filled with issues.

The push for European football proved a step too far for the club this time around, but there is hope that a summer of investment could give some extra quality to get them over the line next season.

Links have persisted over several potential signings, with reports now claiming that John Stones could make a sensational return to Everton in the coming weeks.

Everton Close To John Stones Return

As Everton look to bolster their options this summer, the report from Sportsboom claims that the club are in “advanced talks” over a return for Stones this summer.

The defender is a free agent after leaving Manchester City, having impressed at the Etihad Stadium ever since his move from the Toffees back in 2016.

In the ten years since, Stones has won 19 trophies, which includes six Premier League titles. He has also been a key part of the England national team, and despite his recent injury struggles, he looks set to play a key role for the Three Lions in the World Cup this summer.

While his future remains undecided heading into the tournament, the reports of a potential move to the Hill Dickinson Stadium could bring about an early bit of business for Moyes and his side.

It’s claimed that Everton are “increasingly confident” of landing Stones, while interest from Serie A seemingly persists for the centre-back.

It remains to be seen whether that deal can be closed, but there is a risk in the Toffees doing so.

John Stones Transfer Risk

There are plenty of pros and cons in trying to land a player like Stones in the summer transfer window.

The defender has been described as “world-class” during his time at Man City, and while his physical nature may have dropped with age, his leadership and intelligence should bring some longevity to his ability at the very least.

Most of the concerns when it comes to his availability, however. Stones has struggled to get on the pitch as regularly as he would’ve wanted, with injury issues impacting his ability to feature for Man City.

While they can cover for someone like that in their ranks, the possibility of Everton doing the same with similar quality is clearly a lot tougher.

Add to that some possible wage demands, and in all it could make for a deal that is expensive and questionable for the long-term success of the club.

It remains to be seen whether a move will go through, and whether it’s a success. But there is certainly some risk in getting it over the line.

France forward Kylian Mbappe was left stunned after being denied what looked to be a certain penalty in their opening Group I match against Senegal in New Jersey.

Losing finalists in 2022, France are among the leading contenders for this year’s tournament, but got off to a slow start in the first 45 minutes of their tournament.

Their luck looked to have changed in the 58th minute of the contest when the Real Madrid man appeared to be taken out inside the box by a lunging challenge from Sadio Mane.

Kylian Mbappe Denied Penalty After Bizarre VAR Decision

To the naked eye, it appeared that Mane had taken Mbappe down with his trailing leg. However, the referee Alireza Faghani disagreed and initially pointed for a corner, believing that Mane had made contact with the ball.

Soon after, the official was instructed to hold up play while a VAR review took place. When the referee was called over to the screen to take a second look at the incident, it seemed inevitable that France would be awarded a spot kick.

In a stunning turn of events, though, the outcome of the VAR review was ‘no penalty’, with the officials determining that Mbappe had initiated the contact before he went down.

‘Mad Decision’ – Experts Baffled By ‘No Penalty’ Decision

Credit: REUTERS/Dylan Martinez

Among those who couldn’t believe the decision was French journalist Matt Spiro, who wrote on X:

“How on earth has Mbappe ‘initiated the contact’. Mane came flying in, made contact with Mbappe, who fell. Harder to get a much clearer pen than that!”

That view was backed on by Darren McCann, who was part of the officiating team for the 2010 World Cup final, on the BBC’s coverage of the match.

“I can’t support the referee’s decision. For me, it was a clear penalty.” He added “My phone has been blowing up, with several of the world’s best referees saying they also can’t understand why the penalty wasn’t given.”

In some ways, justice was done a short time later when Mbappe gave Didier Deschamps’ side the lead after 66 minutes.

Tottenham have turned down a second offer for Luka Vuskovic this summer, as David Ornstein reports that a fresh bid wasn’t enough to convince Spurs to part ways with the star defender.

The 19-year-old has been the subject of interest from Premier League rivals Brighton, as the North London club have been pushing to sign Jan Paul van Hecke in a deal that would see him move the other way.

In the window so far, Tottenham have been keen to improve the backline, having already signed Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson as free agents.

Van Hecke’s impending arrival adds another dimension to the defensive options available for Roberto De Zerbi, but could impact the pathway open to Vuskovic.

While the youngster faces an uncertain future, it seems as though Tottenham aren’t content with an exit just yet.

Tottenham Reject Luka Vuskovic Bid

While Tottenham have seemingly agreed a deal to sign Van Hecke this summer, David Ornstein reports that the club have turned down a £35 million bid from Brighton to sign Vuskovic.

It’s the second offer made by the Seagulls to sign the Croatian international, as they look at a potential replacement for their outgoing star in the market.

Recent reports have claimed that Vuskovic has already agreed personal terms with Brighton, as he looks to progress after having a breakthrough campaign with Hamburg in the Bundesliga last season.

It’s unclear whether the youngster will push for a move, as he now faces a tough task to get into the first-team over the next campaign under De Zerbi.

Tottenham’s Vuskovic Challenge

Tottenham face a real challenge in trying to keep Vuskovic, considering his ability at such a young age.

The defender was described as “exceptional” during his spell at Hamburg last season, capable of organising a defence and leading the team throughout the campaign.

With the arrival of Senesi and Van Hecke at the back, it looks tough to see where Vuskovic will get consistent game time. Exits for Cristian Romero and Radu Dragusin may help, but there will still be Micky van de Ven and Kevin Danso ahead of him in the pecking order.

If Tottenham can suggest a pathway that will see him get some game time in the future, then they may be able to seal a loan move or two to give him the right experience.

However, it remains to be seen whether the club can show him that way ahead, and whether he will accept it.