Everton have reportedly moved ahead of Liverpool in the race to sign Barcelona right-back Hector Fort, with the young defender said to be keen on a move to the Premier League.
The 20-year-old has emerged as an intriguing transfer target for several English clubs, with Liverpool and Fulham also monitoring his situation.
However, Everton are currently believed to be in the strongest position, with reports suggesting David Moyes’ side could present the most attractive proposal to Barcelona.
Fort’s future at Camp Nou has become increasingly uncertain after Barcelona manager Hansi Flick reportedly informed the defender that he is not part of his plans for the upcoming season.
That could open the door for Everton to make a move.
Everton Searching for a New Right-Back
Everton’s interest in Fort comes as Moyes looks to strengthen a position that has required makeshift solutions.
Jake O’Brien has been used at right-back despite being primarily a centre-back, and Everton are now looking for a natural option in the position.
The Toffees have already explored several alternatives.
They have been linked with a possible move for former England international Kyle Walker, who is currently with Championship side Burnley.
Crystal Palace defender Daniel Muñoz has also reportedly attracted Everton’s attention.
However, Fort could now emerge as one of the club’s most attractive options.
The Barcelona youngster offers both youth and significant potential, while his desire to play in England could make negotiations easier.
Barcelona Ready to Let Fort Leave
Fort’s situation at Barcelona appears to have changed significantly.
According to reports from Spain, his departure from the Catalan club is accelerating after Flick informed him that he does not feature prominently in his plans.
That could force Barcelona to make a decision over the defender’s future before the transfer window closes.
Fort spent last season on loan at Elche, where he made 17 appearances across all competitions and scored three goals.
The experience gave him valuable senior football, but it has apparently not been enough to convince Barcelona that he should remain part of their first-team plans.
With his pathway at Barcelona seemingly blocked, a permanent transfer or loan move could now be on the cards.
Fort Wants Premier League Move
One of the biggest advantages Everton reportedly have is the player’s own preference.
Mundo Deportivo have reported that Fort is keen on the possibility of moving to the Premier League.
That could be significant.
The defender has already attracted interest from several clubs, including Liverpool, Fulham and Borussia Dortmund, but the prospect of playing regularly in England could make Everton an appealing destination.
For a 20-year-old looking to establish himself at senior level, regular Premier League football could be difficult to turn down.
Liverpool Also Monitoring Situation
Liverpool’s interest adds another layer to the story.
The Premier League champions have a shortage of natural right-backs heading into the new season.
Jeremie Frimpong is currently the main recognised option, while Conor Bradley continues his recovery from an ACL injury.
Joe Gomez can provide cover in the position but has also been dealing with injury issues.
Liverpool have therefore been forced to consider alternatives.
Ronald Araújo, who has joined the club on a season-long loan from Barcelona, can operate at right-back when required, although his preferred position is central defence.
That could leave Liverpool looking for another specialist option.
Fort would therefore make sense from a squad-building perspective.
Fulham and Dortmund Also Interested
Everton and Liverpool are not alone.
Fulham have reportedly been monitoring Fort as they continue to recruit players familiar with Spanish football.
The Cottagers have already signed Gonzalo García and César Palacios, both of whom previously worked with new Fulham manager Álvaro Arbeloa at Real Madrid Castilla.
Fort would fit that recruitment strategy.
Borussia Dortmund are also reportedly interested, giving Barcelona several potential destinations to consider.
However, Everton are believed to currently have an advantage.
Everton Could Present the Best Offer
Reports from Spain suggest Everton could be capable of presenting the most attractive overall proposal for Barcelona and the player.
That does not necessarily mean a deal is close, but it indicates the Toffees have positioned themselves strongly in the race.
For Barcelona, the priority will be finding the right financial and sporting solution.
Fort is still only 20, meaning the club may be reluctant to permanently lose a player who could develop into a valuable first-team defender.
A loan deal could therefore be another possibility.
For Everton, however, securing the player on a permanent basis could represent an opportunity to acquire a talented young defender before his value increases.
Moyes Wants More Competition
Moyes is clearly looking to strengthen his squad before the new Premier League campaign gets fully underway.
Everton have already explored a number of right-back options, suggesting the position is a priority.
Their previous discussions with Celtic over Alistair Johnston ultimately failed to produce an agreement.
The Canadian defender has since suffered an injury that could keep him out for an extended period.
That development could make Everton even more determined to find another solution.
Fort’s availability could therefore arrive at an ideal time for the Toffees.
What Could Fort Bring to Everton?
Fort is still developing, but his versatility is one of his biggest attractions.
The Spanish youth international has experience operating at right-back and has already gained senior football experience in La Liga.
His attacking contribution is also promising.
Three goals in 17 appearances for Elche last season demonstrates that he can contribute in the final third, while his technical background at Barcelona makes him comfortable in possession.
Those qualities could fit well with the demands of modern Premier League football.
Everton would still need to give him time to adapt to the physical intensity of English football, but his age gives the club plenty of room to develop him.
A Potential Battle With Liverpool
If Liverpool ultimately decide to make a serious offer, Everton could face a difficult battle.
The chance to join one of England’s biggest clubs would obviously be attractive to any young player.
Liverpool can also offer Champions League football and a squad competing for major trophies.
Everton, however, could potentially offer something Liverpool may struggle to guarantee: regular first-team football.
That could prove decisive.
At 20, Fort needs minutes.
A move to Everton could give him the opportunity to establish himself as a Premier League regular rather than compete for a place in a squad packed with established international defenders.
The Race Is Heating Up
Fort’s future is now one of the more interesting transfer situations involving Barcelona.
With Flick reportedly not including him in his plans, the defender appears to have reached a crossroads.
Everton are believed to be leading the Premier League race, while Liverpool and Fulham remain interested and Dortmund are also monitoring developments.
The next step could depend on which club is willing to make the strongest proposal.
For Everton, signing Fort would solve an immediate problem while potentially giving them a long-term answer at right-back.
For Barcelona, the decision will be whether to sell now, arrange another loan or retain some control over the player’s future.
And for Fort himself, the opportunity to move to the Premier League could represent the next major step in his career.
With Everton reportedly in pole position and Liverpool watching closely, this is a transfer battle that could develop quickly before the window closes.
