Everton's Transfer Window Dilemma: Hector Fort's Price Tag and Barcelona's Demands

Everton are in desperate need of a new right-back ahead of the summer transfer window closing in two weeks' time. The Toffees have been linked with several players, including Hector Fort, who has already made 38 LaLiga appearances for Barcelona at just 20 years old. However, Barcelona are open to selling Fort if their price tag is met, but any deal will come with a compromise.

What happened?

Barcelona are eager to sell Fort sooner rather than later, with the teenager accepting his future lies elsewhere. Fort impressed at Elche last season, but he is not in Hansi Flick's plans going forward at Barcelona. Everton are credited with an interest in Fort, as are Serie A heavyweights Inter Milan. However, Inter's interest is said to have faded as they close in on the signing of Djed Spence from Tottenham Hotspur.

Why it matters for Everton

Everton are in desperate need of a new right-back, and Fort's impressive record at just 20 years old makes him an attractive option. However, Barcelona's demands for a significant fee and a clause that would see them retain half the rights to Fort will make the deal complicated.

What comes next?

Everton will have to decide whether to meet Barcelona's demands or look elsewhere for a new right-back. With the transfer window closing in two weeks' time, the Toffees will have to act quickly to secure a deal for Fort. The report adds that a fee of between £12.8million and £17.10m will be enough to conclude a deal, but Barcelona intend to include a clause.

Everton are currently 13th in the Premier League, 49 points from 38 games, with a recent form of LLDDL. They have scored 47 goals and conceded 50 this season, with a goal difference of -3. They are 36 points behind leaders Arsenal in the title race and have lost their last four games. Their next fixture is against Ipswich at home on September 19.

The Barcelona clause Everton would have to accept is a significant one, with the Catalan giants intending to retain half the rights to Fort. This would make any further sale from Everton complicated, but if it is the price worth paying for a gem hailed as "exceptional" by ex-Barca boss Xavi, then so be it.

Everton's transfer window dilemma is set to continue, with the Toffees facing a difficult decision over whether to meet Barcelona's demands for Hector Fort. With the transfer window closing in two weeks' time, the Toffees will have to act quickly to secure a deal for Fort.