Prince Rupert's Tower
Fansided

Everton one of several clubs chasing Norwich starlet

By Matt Townsend

BRENTFORD, ENGLAND - JANUARY 27: Ryan Woods of Brentford in action under pressure from James Maddison of Norwich City during the Sky Bet Championship match between Brentford and Norwich City at Griffin Park on January 27, 2018 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Harry Murphy/Getty Images)
BRENTFORD, ENGLAND - JANUARY 27: Ryan Woods of Brentford in action under pressure from James Maddison of Norwich City during the Sky Bet Championship match between Brentford and Norwich City at Griffin Park on January 27, 2018 in Brentford, England. (Photo by Harry Murphy/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Everton are being linked with a young championship player. The Sun is today reporting more transfer gossip claiming the Blues are one of a number of Premier League clubs chasing Norwich City and England Under-21 star James Maddison.

The young midfielder, who has scored 14 goals and made 7 assists this season so far, is being valued at an astronomical £25 million by the East Anglian club. That would be a huge sum for Everton to pay.

This kind of hugely inflated fee is just another indication of how out of kilter the transfer market has become. Whatever Maddison’s potential such a fee is surely ridiculous. 

When a championship club can put such a figure against the name of a 21-year-old it underlines the shift that has taken place in the market.  

Maddison does though represent the kind of footballer I believe the club need to invest in; a player who can both create and score goals from midfield. He has been a standout player in an otherwise mediocre season for Norwich.

More from Prince Rupert's Tower

If Everton are considering a move for Maddison, they are though, according to the Sun, facing a battle to secure the player as Premier League rivals Manchester City, Tottenham and Liverpool are also interested.

The Toffees distinct lack of goal scoring threat from midfield has been a major, if understated factor in the poor season the club have endured.

While the focus has been on the Blues’ defensive chaos and lack of an established goal scorer to replace Romelu Lukaku, there has been little effective support from midfield either defensively or in attack.

One thing that might play in Everton’s favour in trying to secure his signature is that the Toffees are more likely to offer Maddison a better chance of a regular starting place than their rivals.

Next: United defender to Everton?

An ambitious young player who wants regular football and the chance of a senior England career, might be more inclined to join the Blues for that reason.

Home/Everton FC News