Blues linked with Atletico Madrid midfielder

MADRID, SPAIN - APRIL 25: Nico Gaitan of Club Atletico de Madrid shoots past Andres Fernandez of Villarreal CF during the La Liga match between Club Atletico de Madrid and Villarreal CF at estadio Vincente Calderon on April 25, 2017 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
MADRID, SPAIN - APRIL 25: Nico Gaitan of Club Atletico de Madrid shoots past Andres Fernandez of Villarreal CF during the La Liga match between Club Atletico de Madrid and Villarreal CF at estadio Vincente Calderon on April 25, 2017 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Everton are reportedly tracking Atletico Madrid attacking midfielder Nicolas Gaitan, who will apparently be made available when the transfer window opens in January.

We’ve made a couple of references recently, to Everton being linked with Steven N’Zonzi. Apart from the fact Sam Allardyce is familiar with him, N’Zonzi would be an excellent acquisition for the Blues.

About the only question mark surrounding the apparent interest in N’Zonzi, is how bringing him in would create a logjam of sorts in the defensive midfield position. And while no one would complain per se if the Toffees sign him, you can argue they have greater needs at other positions in the middle of the park.

In this respect, the latest speculation is likely to be of great interest to Evertonians. Coming courtesy of Royal Blue Mersey, Everton are apparently among the contenders to sign Atletico Madrid’s Nicolas Gaitan.

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Citing Spanish media outlet AS, Royal Blue Mersey’s Tom Mallows reports Atletico Madrid will make Gaitan available, when the transfer window reopens on Monday. And while Mallows notes any link could be tenuous, AS claims Everton will be in the mix, along with the likes of Southampton, Crystal Palace and West Ham United.

Gaitan is only in his second season with Atletico Madrid, after joining them in June 2016 for around £22 million. However, he has struggled to make an impact and will likely only fall further down the pecking order, with more arrivals due in January.

The Argentinian international would certainly be an intriguing addition for Everton, although his best years are arguably behind him. Regardless, the truth is the Blues have more pressing needs right now, specifically at striker and left back.

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What’s your take on Gaitan? Do you rate him and more specifically, do you believe he would be a good acquisition for the Blues? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.