Liverpool star linked with controversial transfer to Everton ahead of Merseyside derby | Football

David Moyes reportedly wants to sign a young Liverpool star for Everton in what would be a sensational and highly-controversial transfer.

Everton’s form has drastically improved since Moyes returned to the dugout in January, losing just one of their 10 Premier League games under the Scottish manager.

This run includes the chaotic 2-2 draw with local rivals Liverpool in the last Merseyside derby at Goodison Park.

With the club now 17 points clear of the relegation zone, focus has begun to switch to the summer transfer window and Moyes has already identified his No.1 target.

But it’s one that will be contentious as the Scottish Sun report that he wants to sign Liverpool’s Ben Doak who has been enjoying a fine season on loan at Middlesbrough.

Prior to suffering a potentially season-ending thigh injury in January, the winger had recorded three goals and seven assists in the Championship, helping Boro to the verge of the play-offs.

The 19-year-old has already been capped six times by Scotland and has also been linked with Premier League sides Bournemouth and Crystal Palace.

Liverpool snapped up the Celtic academy graduate in 2022 and he has long been tipped for a starring role at Anfield, more so in recent times due to the uncertainty around Mohamed Salah’s future.

However, it now seems that Doak is not in Arne Slot’s plans, with the Reds slapping a £25million price tag on the teenager, though it remains to be seen whether they would sell him to a fierce rival.

Since the Second World War, only 12 footballers have played for both clubs, with the most recent being Conor Coady who came through Liverpool’s academy and later spent the 2022/23 season on loan at Everton from Wolves.

The report also comes just days before the next Merseyside derby, with the Toffees crossing Stanley Park to Anfield on Wednesday night.

If Middlesbrough do get promoted back to the Premier League, they too could make a move for Doak, with manager Michael Carrick delighted with the forward’s contribution this season.

‘He’s got that weapon and unique threat,’ the Manchester United hero said of the loan star back in January.

‘The way he plays the game, everyone has their own strengths, but the way Ben plays the game, he’s always in the game and always a threat.’

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