Everton gain advantage over Liverpool in race to sign wonderkid who wants Premier League move

Everton are currently leading the race to sign right-back Hector Fort from Barcelona, it has been claimed, amid interest from Premier League rivals Liverpool and Fulham.

The Toffees are in the market for a natural right-back as they look to finally replace centre-back Jake O'Brien, who has been filling in on the right since David Moyes took over in January of last year.

The Sun reported on Wednesday that Everton were targeting a surprise move to sign Kyle Walker from newly-relegated Championship side Burnley for a nominal fee.

There is also interest in Crystal Palace's Daniel Munoz, who could leave Selhurst Park this summer despite being one of the Eagles' most consistent performers during his two-and-a-half year stint at the club.

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As for Liverpool, Andoni Iraola's side have only one natural right-back - Jeremie Frimpong - available to them ahead of the season start, with Conor Bradley still recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. Joe Gomez can fill in there but is also injured.

Barcelona captain Ronald Araujo has joined the club on a season-long loan and can also fill in at right-back, but may be needed as cover in his preferred position in central defence.

Fulham, meanwhile, have signed the Spanish duo of Gonzalo Garcia and Cesar Palacios - who both played under new manager Alvaro Arbeloa for Real Madrid's Castilla side - and appear to want to continue that theme by signing Spain youth international Fort.

Everton can 'present most attractive offer' to Barcelona starlet

According to Spanish outlet SPORT, the 20-year-old's exit from Barcelona is said to be 'accelerating', with manager Hansi Flick having told Fort that he is not part of his plans for the upcoming season.

He spent last season on loan at fellow La Liga side Elche, making 17 appearances and scoring three goals in all competitions.

Hector Fort in action for Barcelona during pre-season (Image: Getty)

It is claimed that Everton 'could present the most attractive offer for all parties', indicating that they are in the box seat to get the deal done if they decide Fort is their number one target. Mundo Deportivo report the Spaniard is keen on a move to the Premier League, though Borussia Dortmund are also said to be interested.

Moyes' side had held interest in Spurs defender Djed Spence, but the England international is closing in on a move to Italian giants Inter Milan - who were also involved in the race to sign Fort.

And Everton held talks with Celtic over Canada star Alistair Johnston but could not agree a fee.

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The Scottish Sun claim that the Hoops now fear Johnston will face a 'lengthy spell' on the sidelines after he was taken off with an injury during Celtic's 5-1 win over Kilmarnock on Sunday.

Celtic manager Martin O'Neill confirmed at the end of July that Moyes had personally contacted him to confirm Everton's interest in the right-back, but said he was still hopeful of keeping him.

"I was hoping as each day went past that there wouldn't be any serious interest. But that was never going to happen," he told Sky Sports Scotland.

"We did want to build this squad and bring players in anyway. Hopefully they would have stayed at the football club. Alistair did excellent work with Canada, and that enhanced his chances.

"I think you have to try and do your best to balance everything to try and get new players in and try and hold the players that you have at the same time. That's utopia. Unfortunately, that's not real life."