Report: David Moyes ignites Merseyside firestorm with bold Ben Doak raid

David Moyes, back at the helm of the Toffees, has set his sights on the 19-year-old winger, according to a fresh report from The Sun.

Direct transfers between Liverpool and Everton are as rare as a quiet derby day, but this could change with the Toffees eyeing a deal for Doak.

The young Scot came through Celtic's youth system before Liverpool snapped him up in 2022 for a modest 600,000 pounds. Since then, he has made 12 senior appearances for the Reds, showing flashes of brilliance that hinted at a bright future.

This season, Doak has been on loan at Middlesbrough in the Championship, where he has caught the eye with three goals and seven assists in 24 outings. His form has not only earned him a spot in Scotland's national team but also turned heads across the Premier League.

Liverpool reportedly turned down a bid for him in January, but interest is mounting ahead of the summer window.

Now, Everton have thrown their hat into the ring. The Sun claims Moyes is "plotting a shock transfer raid" on Liverpool, with the Toffees prepared to meet a 25-million-pound asking price.

Moyes, who has steadied the ship at Goodison Park since his return, has guided Everton to eighth in the Premier League's calendar-year standings, well clear of the relegation scrap. With new owners in place and a move to their state-of-the-art Bramley Moore Dock stadium on the horizon, the club are poised for an active transfer window, and they want Doak to be part of it.

"Moyes is a huge fan of Doak, whose pace and trickery would add something to his hard-working squad," the report noted. Everton are in the market for a wide player, and Doak fits the bill perfectly.

However, they face competition. Bournemouth have been tracking the teenager for months, while Crystal Palace's interest has cooled amid uncertainty at the club.

Liverpool, for their part, might prefer to see Doak head to the south coast rather than across Stanley Park. But the final call could rest with the player himself.

"Everton's interest will alert the player, who is set to have a major say on his future," The Sun added.

Moyes has remained tight-lipped on the speculation, but his track record of nurturing young talent, like he did with Wayne Rooney decades ago, suggests he sees Doak as a potential game-changer.

For now, Doak remains focused on recovering from a thigh injury that required surgery earlier this month, sidelining him at Middlesbrough. Liverpool have yet to comment officially, but with the summer looming, this transfer tussle promises to add extra spice to an already fierce rivalry.

Will Moyes pull off the unthinkable? Football fans across Merseyside are watching closely.