Everton have suffered a setback in their pursuit of Southampton full-back Kyle Walker-Peters.

What’s the word?

That’s according to David Ornstein, who writes in The Athletic about Everton’s initial interest.

However, despite what he describes as “firm admiration”, the club’s financial problems seem destined to thwart this move.

Arsenal and Manchester United are both clubs who reportedly also hold an interest. 

Supporters will be gutted

Walker-Peters, whether he is needed at Everton or not, is a wonderful right-back. He provides cover in both full-back positions and does both to a surprisingly high standard.

He is similar to Jonjoe Kenny in this regard but offers much more both offensively and defensively.

However, supporters have every reason to be disappointed that once again the financial mistakes of the past will hamper yet another potential transfer.

Last season for Southampton, Walker-Peters managed 32 appearances and contributed toward three goals. Although unspectacular, he does average 0.8 key passes per 90, suggesting that he can contribute going forward.

This is further supported by his underlying stats. He ranks in the 96th percentile for progressive carries, the 94th percentile for dribbles completed, and the 93rd percentile for touches in the attacking penalty area per 90.

Although his goal contributions may not suggest it, he clearly loves to bomb forward and cause defenders problems.

His 6.85 average SofaScore rating also is indicative of a player who holds himself to high standards, and for just 25 years old acts as a model professional. In fact, Ralph Hassenhuttl actually dubbed the defender a “role model”, going on to say: “I think you see a player now who is very confident with the ball but also against the ball with clear habits.

“We enjoy having him here because he definitely helps us. The package as a complete one is getting better.”

Frank Lampard will be frustrated to see another of his targets go amiss as the club flounders for cash, and this will, in turn, devastate supporters who are yet to see anything of note happen in the transfer window.

AND, in other news: Everton want to sign "dangerous" £57.8m ace this summer, supporters will be buzzing.