​Everton need a right-back, that part is obvious. What is becoming clearer is that Rico Lewis has moved from vague admiration to a genuine transfer option. According to TeamTalk, Everton are stepping up their interest in the Manchester City defender, and there is enough logic in this one to take it seriously.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe report states that Lewis is “becoming a concrete option for Everton” and that sources have “reiterated that Lewis is one to watch for Everton”. That matters, because this is no random link thrown into the summer churn. Everton have been surveying the market for some time, with Brooke Norton-Cuffy, Guela Doue, Djed Spence, Ben White, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Raoul Bellanova all mentioned. Lewis stands out because he solves more than one problem.David Moyes reportedly “is personally a fan of the England Under-21s international”. You can see why. Lewis offers exactly what Everton currently lack, mobility, technical security and positional flexibility. The source points to “the fact that he can play as a right-back, defensive midfielder or left-back”, and that is not a trivial detail. Everton are looking to strengthen in all three areas.Seamus Coleman’s departure has increased the urgency at right-back. Nathan Patterson has not nailed down the role. Jake O’Brien has been filling in there, but the piece correctly notes that a signing like Lewis “would allow Jake O’Brien to move into his natural centre-back position”. That is better squad building, plain and simple.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThere is another layer. Idrissa Gana Gueye’s contract has expired, even if “Sources haven’t fully ruled out Everton negotiating a new deal with Gueye”. Lewis would not replace Gueye like for like, because they are different players, but he could certainly help absorb some of that tactical responsibility in midfield areas.Photo: IMAGOThis is where the move gets complicated. Manchester City are “under no pressure to sell Lewis”, and his contract runs until 2030. That means Everton will not be dictating terms. The report adds that “around £30million could be enough to get him”, which is a significant outlay for a player who is talented, versatile and still only 21.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementA loan sounds unlikely. TeamTalk points out that Everton want “to re-sign Jack Grealish on a second loan deal towards the end of the transfer window”, and Premier League rules would block two loans from the same club. So if Everton want Lewis, this probably has to be a permanent transfer.That also explains why this story deserves attention. Clubs do not wander into a £30m discussion unless they think the player can contribute immediately. Lewis can. The report says he has “the quality to fight for a starting spot immediately”, and that feels accurate.From an Everton supporter’s perspective, this is the sort of link that actually sounds sensible. Not glamorous for