Everton transfer briefing: Latest on Iliman Ndiaye and his bumper price tag revealed, why Jack Grealish's return is in doubt, Tim Iroegbunam update, truth about bogus right-back 'targets' and why David Moyes still wants another midfielder

Say what you will about the Prime Minister but, occasionally, he can make a whole audience nod in agreement. 'Please. Sign a right back,' he said, when asked what he'd wish for his beloved Everton. 'And if we can, get Jack Grealish for at least one more year.'

Evertonians will hope Andy Burnham's lobbying can at least pull some sway with club owners, the Friedkin Group, because, with two weeks of the window left, they are running out of time to fulfil his wishes.

At the end of last season, sections of Everton's support were, somewhat alarmingly, beginning to question whether David Moyes really was the 'Moyes-iah', the manager who could resurrect their club. The team had been transformed from perennial relegation candidates to European contenders ahead of schedule. They were seventh after Christmas. But then they failed to win any of their final seven games and finished 13th and the doomsayers began to spread their gloom.

Short of memory or simply myopic, some raised questions on Moyes' suitability to take the club forward, not recognising that the initial upsurge in form and standards were simply unsustainable on such a small squad.

The Friedkins have not been overly hands-on. They did spend money last summer, not all wisely, but added only Tyrique George on loan in February, days before Grealish was ruled out for the season.

Everton needed that window to have been another building block.

Despite all the progress during his tenure, David Moyes may have to win some Everton fans over after the Toffees' disappointing end to last season

And he might have to do it without Jack Grealish (centre), while Charly Alcaraz (left) and Tim Iroegbunam (right) are both attracting interest

To his credit, Moyes didn't stamp his feet. Nor did he throw underperforming players under the proverbial bus. He appreciated their batteries were simply depleted. But some supporters demand more emotion from him, more anger at their timid finish.

That's not the Moyes of today. Age and experience have honed a more rounded, philosophical coach but any disgruntled fans should not be fooled: this is a man firing on the inside, desperate to mark his second coming with a trophy and more.

But he needs help.

This time out the Friedkins have added Championship Player of the Year Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough for £16.5million. Younger legs compensate for the loss of veteran midfielder Idrissa Gueye. The older head now is 32-year-old Christian Norgaard, an astute £7million addition from Arsenal, keen to make up for a lack of playing time.

Yet they still need greater physical and athletic presence and, with Tim Iroegbunam attracting interest, Moyes would like another for his engine room to support his go-to men James Garner and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. Even though versatile Merlin Rohl has joined on a permanent basis and Harrison Armstrong continues to stake a claim, one bad injury could leave them short.

Iroegbunam's hamstring issue, sustained in a friendly with Stuttgart, has cast his £18million move to Hull City into doubt but is not thought to be serious, and the Tigers are not the only club interested. Fellow midfielder Charly Alcaraz could also return to South America.

Up top, Tyrique George has joined from Chelsea permanently. Everton negotiated a £6million discount on the original option to buy that was agreed with Chelsea. Last week, they got even more creative with a good old-fashioned swap deal, exchanging Dwight McNeil, valued at £20million and with one year left on contract, for Brennan Johnson, valued at £35million and with four years on contract.

On the face of it, Everton have the bargain end of the deal, but Moyes knows that is only if Johnson can find the form of his old Nottingham Forest days and those first season run-outs at Spurs.

Winger Tyrique George has impressed in pre-season after his move from Chelsea

Everton secured a bargain in swapping Dwight McNeil for Crystal Palace's Brennan Johnson (pictured) - but Moyes will know he has to help him rediscover his best form

His pace at least will be welcomed. For all Grealish's qualities, he arguably became too predictable: checking, cutting inside, and rarely going outside his full back to cross or shoot.

Similarly, Iliman Ndiaye, another undoubted talent, dropped off in levels after his exertions at the Africa Cup of Nations. Fresh impetus was needed.

Ndiaye has rejected new contract offers but also rebuffed a recent proposal to join Al Hilal. Though no official offer arrived, Everton knew the Saudi Pro League side were capable of hitting the £80million mark that may be enough to buy him.

The 26-year-old wants to stay in the Premier League but he also knows he has admirers at Manchester United, Arsenal and Manchester City. For one reason or another he is not top of their respective lists but that could change if other deals falter.

Everton need workhorse wingers to suit Moyes's style.

They continue to create chances, it's just that in Beto and Thierno Barry they have strikers who too often lack the finish.

Nottingham Forest admire the always willing Beto though and RB Leipzig like Barry. Indeed, when Leipzig's interest in Barry was mentioned early this summer, it was almost celebrated in some quarters.

The ungainly 23-year-old, with three pre-season goals to his name, has vowed to make amends for his debut campaign. He has been studying videos of Didier Drogba, working on his mindset. He wants to change the narrative.

After scoring against Newcastle in Wednesday's 3-1 friendly win, he said: 'I know I can play, now I just need to show it.'

There's no doubt though Moyes would like a more effective striker.

Everton do not have the budget to buy Chelsea's Liam Delap at £55million – but he could yet come into play if no other suitors pounce and a late loan is allowed

A deal for Man United youngster Ethan Wheatley (centre) is more advanced, though Wheatley is one for the future

Talks are coming to a close with Manchester United for Ethan Wheatley but he is one for the future. For the now, the budget is not there to buy Chelsea's Liam Delap at £55million – but he could yet come into play if no other suitors pounce and a late loan is allowed.

Not prolific, Delap is at least disruptive enough to ruffle opposition defences. He is another Forest are keen on and they have the financial clout to buy.

Prior to Chelsea signing Delap from Ipswich, Moyes made a strong impression on the 23-year-old in his pitch to sign him himself.

Everton had only just begun their reformation. But Delap's agents said Moyes was so super-charged in his tub-thumping spiel about why No 9s were revered at his club that they half expected him to rip off his tracksuit and reveal a Marvel Everton superhero suit underneath. Such is his passion to make this work.

The stardust last season of course came from the twinkling toes of Grealish. Many romantics would like to see him return and finish what he started at Hill Dickinson Stadium after injury cut his spell short. Fit and training again after fracturing his foot, Manchester City would be open to a compromise deal with Everton.

A return may suit the marketing department and the owners. There is also little doubt Grealish is a popular figure with all the staff, but in truth, it's a deal that currently has no guarantees of happening.

There's an underlying belief that Grealish's lifestyle away from the training ground, and the circus that sometimes follows, would need to change for everyone to be convinced it was the right thing to do.

In light of that, Everton may give an extended chance for Tyler Dibling to prove himself. There were such high hopes for the former Southampton wing sensation when he joined last summer but the challenge remains for him to convince on the Premier League stage.

Once again, Leipzig are among his admirers and could push to take him before the window closes but Moyes has thrown down the gauntlet for him. Should Everton change tack, then Newcastle's Jacob Murphy is admired.

Tyler Dibling (right) might get the chance to impress after his move from Southampton last year, though Newcastle's Jacob Murphy (left) is admired

Crystal Palace star Daniel Munoz (left) is also of interest, though seen as a right wing-back

Then back to the Prime Minister's wish. A right back.

The list is almost a who's who and Everton may end up by making do.

Budget means they can't afford Newcastle target Amar Dedic at Benfica or Strasbourg's Guela Doue. Kyle Walker is a no, as is Aaron Wan-Bissaka. So is Brooke Norton-Cuffy. Crystal Palace's Daniel Munoz is admired but is viewed as a wing-back, not the orthodox defender the manager requires, so if bought would need them to change style of play. Celtic's Alistair Johnston was on then off but could yet be on again depending on his injuries. The list is being reviewed.

'The profile,' as one agent said... 'is a tall, athletic right back who knows how to defend but can get forward and falls into Everton's budget. But guess what? They're like rocking horse sh**!'

A rarity indeed. But Everton need to find one quick. Then at least the Prime Minister will be happy.