Everton are reportedly making a strong push to sign Fulham right-back Kenny Tete, potentially disrupting the London club's plans to secure him with a new contract. The Toffees are keen to reinforce their defensive options this summer, and the 29-year-old Dutch international has emerged as a prime target.

According to reports, Everton have already made significant progress in their pursuit of Tete, even reaching a verbal agreement with the player on a three-year contract. Tete's current deal with Fulham is set to expire at the end of June, making him available on a free transfer. While Fulham have offered him a new, improved contract, Tete seems inclined to explore the opportunity at Goodison Park.

Everton's interest in Tete is driven by a need to bolster their right-back position. With Ashley Young's departure and Seamus Coleman in the twilight of his career, the club is looking for a reliable and experienced player to fill the role. Tete fits the bill, having proven himself as a solid Premier League defender during his time at Fulham.

Fulham fans have expressed disappointment at the prospect of losing Tete, with many acknowledging his defensive prowess and importance to the team. He is known for his aggressive defending, strong tackling, and ability to shut down opposition wingers in one-on-one situations.

However, there are concerns about Tete's fitness record, as he has struggled with injuries throughout his career. He missed a significant number of games in the previous season due to various niggles. Everton will need to carefully manage his fitness to ensure he can contribute consistently.

Despite the injury concerns, Everton manager David Moyes seems to value Tete's defensive qualities and sees him as a good fit for his tactical system. Moyes has previously favored defensively solid right-backs, and Tete's ability to also step into a central role when needed makes him an attractive option.

Acquiring Tete on a free transfer would be a shrewd move for Everton, allowing them to allocate resources to other areas of the squad that need strengthening, particularly in attack. The club is reportedly looking to bring in several new players this summer, and securing a quality right-back without a transfer fee would be a significant boost.

While a verbal agreement is in place, the deal is not yet finalized, and Fulham could still attempt to persuade Tete to stay. However, Everton's offer of a three-year contract and the opportunity to join a club with a rich history may prove too tempting for the Dutch defender to resist.