Everton: Sam Allardyce aiming to reunite with Steven N’Zonzi
By Paul Taylor
Sam Allardyce reportedly wants to again sign defensive midfielder Steven N’Zonzi, as he aims to re-establish Everton in the top half of the Premier League.
Signing on for the Everton job must have brought back a familiar feeling for Sam Allardyce. After all, he’s had plenty of experience taking over clubs struggling at the wrong end of the table and helping navigate their passage to safety.
As such, it makes sense Allardyce would like to have some familiar faces around him, as he embarks on his adventure with the Blues. Cue an apparent interest in Steven N’Zonzi.
As per a report from John Richardson of the Mirror, Allardyce has set his sights on the Sevilla midfielder. The two have a history together, after the 63-year-old signed N’Zonzi in 2009, when he was in charge of Blackburn Rovers.
As Richardson notes, Allardyce even looked into seeing if N’Zonzi could play for England, during his ill-fated short tenure as manager of the national side. After six years playing in England, it was hoped he would be eligible based on residency grounds.
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This never panned out and N’Zonzi ended up playing for France. (He was born in Colombes.) Regardless, Allardyce would like to be reunited with the player, who is apparently eager to leave Sevilla.
The Blues’ interest in the former Stoke City player is entirely understandable, with him being compared to Patrick Vieira. He is best utilised in a defensive midfield role and he combines an impressive work rate, with excellent passing range .
N’Zonzi’s current contract runs through until July 2019 and Sevilla would prefer not to part with one of their best players. However, Richardson claims a fee of around £20 million may be just enough to convince them to part company with the 28-year-old.
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How familiar are you with N’Zonzi? Does he strike you as someone who would improve the Blues’ position in the Premier League? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.