Prince Rupert's Tower
Fansided

Everton FC transfer round-up: Lennon leaves, Konsa imminent?

By Matthew Hacke

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 05: The Everton logo is seen outside the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Everton and Watford at Goodison Park on November 5, 2017 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 05: The Everton logo is seen outside the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Everton and Watford at Goodison Park on November 5, 2017 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

After some speculation, Aaron Lennon has left Merseyside for Burnley. Everton are set to battle Liverpool for highly-rated Charlton defender Ezri Konsa.

Everton have certainly been busy this transfer window.

The Blues have dispensed with Ross Barkley and Kevin Mirallas, replacing them with Cenk Tosun and Theo Walcott. The new signings haven’t exactly transformed the starting XI, but progress has been made. Walcott looked tidy on his Blues debut, and assisted the equaliser against West Brom.

It’s been another busy week of transfer news, and Sam Allardyce and Director of Football Steve Walsh look keen to continue to make moves. The latest news is below.

Aaron Lennon departs

On Tuesday, Everton confirmed the transfer of Aaron Lennon to Burnley FC. According to the BBC, the price has not been disclosed. However, Lennon is slightly past his prime, so I would doubt the fee would be more than the estimated £5 million the Blues paid for him in 2015.

Lennon will be missed at Everton. The winger admirably coped with mental health issues in 2016, and came back to play a key role in the first half of this season. Throughout his career on Merseyside, he was dependable and enthusiastic. In 51 league appearances, he scored five goals.

In terms of further departures, the Blues have emphasised that Swiss midfielder Shani Tarashaj will not be leaving. The former Grasshoppers man has struggled in England, but the Liverpool Echo report he is staying put for now.

Big Sam’s defensive headache

Last week, we discussed Everton’s need at left-back. Sadly, this is still on the agenda.

The club are keen to point out, however, that a lack of a signing is not due to laziness. In a recent interview, Allardyce stressed that he cannot find a suitable option. In response to a question by the Liverpool Echo on the topic, Allardyce said:

"“If you could find me one I suppose it would possibly be a position we would like to try and fill.”"

This is hardly promising, but January is a difficult market, and many proposed targets seem unrealistic. At the moment, there seems to be no grounding in rumours regarding Juan Bernat of Bayern Munich, as reported by Henry Moore in The Sun.

More from Prince Rupert's Tower

Everton could sign another defender in the window though. According to the Daily Mirror, the club are fighting cross rivals Liverpool for Charlton Athletic defender Ezri Konsa. The 20-year-old centre-back has already made 57 appearances for Charlton in League 1.

Konsa would be a shrewd long-term signing for the Blues, who have an ageing defence, and no clear succession plan after Phil Jagielka and Ashley Williams move on. Hopefully Konsa’s former Charlton teammate Ademola Lookman will convince him to make the switch to Goodison Park.

With regards to short-term fixes in defence, the Blues could make further acquisitions. The Sun were amongst a series of papers who reported this weekend that Everton are chasing Adama Soumaoro. Soumaoro is currently contracted to Lille, and prefers to play at centre-back Allegedly, Walsh has been scouting the player personally.

Next: Everton Loan Watch for December and January

Now over to you. Is letting Lennon leave the club a good choice? Who do you think the Blues need to buy? Comment with your thoughts below.

Home/Transfer Rumors