Everton are reportedly looking to seal the ambitious summer signing of a player who has even been compared to Lionel Messi.

Moyes expecting late Everton signings this summer

The Blues still have well over a month to seal some important summer transfer business, as they look to push on in the Premier League next season, becoming an established mid-table team looking upwards at Europe again, rather than over their shoulders at the relegation zone.

While David Moyes will no doubt be keen to see some early business completed at Everton, he has spoken honestly about the situation, admitting late-summer signings are arguably more likely: "We’d like to get business done. I don’t think we’re a country who likes to get their business done early. If you can get business done early, it’s good, but in the same breath, quite often, a lot of the stuff doesn’t happen until later on."

That's not to say that top-quality players aren't being linked with moves to the Blues, though, with Manchester City youngster James McAtee one rumoured target. Everton are said to have made contact with the Premier League giants, with the 22-year-old valued at £25m.

Meanwhile, the Merseysiders have reportedly held talks with Douglas Luiz over a move to the club this summer, with the Brazilian looking likely to leave Juventus. Now, another signing of intent has been mentioned as a potential option for Everton ahead of next season.

Everton offered chance to sign Takefusa Kubo

Accordingn to The i Paper, Everton are interested in signing Real Sociedad winger Takefusa Kubo, with the Japanese starlet "offered around Premier League clubs this summer by intermediaries".

The 24-year-old is valued at £30m, should the Blues want to make a move for him, but while he "would represent an ambitious upgrade" for them, the report adds that "there is an acknowledgement that they could face competition from clubs who can offer European football".

Kubo would be such an exciting signing for Everton, and while their chances of snapping him up may not be great, it is encouraging to see the club targeting such a talented footballer.

The Sociedad star has even been dubbed the 'Japanese Messi' in the past, which is about as big a comparison as any player can ask for, while Zinedine Zidane spoke positively about him during his time at Real Madrid.

"I think he’s having a good season. He’s playing a lot and that’s what we all wanted. He is a very interesting player, for the present and the future. I’m happy he’s doing well. Of course, if he were to stay at home tomorrow then that’d be better. But, I wish him the best and urge him to continue like this. His future, though, we won’t decide until the summer. That’s something for later."

A right-sided winger by trade, Kubo could provide quality and end product on the opposite flank to Iliman Ndiaye - he has 41 goal contributions in 137 appearances for Sociedad - giving Everton two hugely gifted wide options.