Everton weighing up alternatives to Gylfi Sigurdsson

If Everton are unable to prise Gylfi Sigurdsson away from Swansea City, they will turn their attention to Las Palmas star Jonathan Viera.

Despite the ongoing battle of wills between Everton and Swansea City, the general consensus is Gylfi Sigurdsson will eventually end up moving to Merseyside. However, just in case, the Blues are making sure they have a back plan.

As per a report from talkSPORT, Everton are apparently ready to activate the £26.5 million release-cause for Jonathan Viera. Similar to Sigurdsson, the Las Palmas star plays on the wing, but is also capable of operating as an attacking midfielder.

If the Toffees do end up turning their attention to Viera, what do we know about him? More to the point, is he the type of player who can have a positive impact in the Premier League?

While there are never any guarantees, the 27-year old is certainly capable of shining. Last season in La Liga, he scored seven goals and added the same number of assists.

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On top of this, Viera is known for his accurate passing. During the 2016/17 campaign, he completed 67 key passes from open play, second only to a certain Lionel Messi.

The product of Las Palmas’ youth system is entering the final season of his three-year contract with his hometown team. He also has experience of playing in Belgium, but it will be interesting to see if he fancies moving to England.

In that respect, talkSPORT notes that Newcastle United are also interested in Viera. However, in a delightful plot twist, Swansea are another team considering signing him.

The irony in this is the Swans view the Las Palmas-born player as a potential replacement for Sigurdsson, if he does leave this summer. In other words, Everton and Swansea effectively have each others potential fate in their hands.

Overall, Viera is an excellent player who can help either Everton or Swansea. (He’s not going to pick Newcastle, with them just being relegated from the Premier League. However, make no mistake about the fact both sides would prefer Sigurddson in their lineup.

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Are you familiar with Viera? If so, what is your opinion of him? Further, is he the type of player you see helping Everton? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.