Everton failing to act on Lewis Cook and signing £24m Schneiderlin one of biggest ever errors

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Everton failed to follow up interest in Lewis Cook when he was at Leeds and paid significantly more for Morgan Schneiderlin instead.

Everton’s academy talents played a crucial role in England’s under-20 World Cup win last summer, with the club’s investment in youth paying dividends for the country.

But the Toffees overlooked the chance to sign the captain of the side, Bournemouth’s Lewis Cook.

They showed interest, with The Sun reporting in March 2016 that Everton were paying Cook close attention while he was at Leeds United.

Speculated at around £10 million, Cook went onto sign for Bournemouth months later for a fee of £6 million plus add-ons.

Cook’s first season at the Cherries was blighted by injuries but he is back playing regularly now, earning a senior international cap with England.

Everton’s failure to land the midfielder is highlighted even more so by the fact they went on to spend considerably more on Morgan Schneiderlin months later.

The Toffees paid £24 million to sign Schneiderlin from Manchester United, and he has been a big disappointment.

The Frenchman is eight years older than Lewis Cook and Everton have missed a real chance to bring the youngster in alongside their glut of blossoming English talent.

It looks at this point to be a terrible error, and Cook continuing to reach new heights will highlight Everton’s regret.