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Everton again linked with Norwich player

By Matt Townsend

SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND - MARCH 27: James Maddison of England during the U21 European Championship Qualifier between England U21 and Ukraine U21 at Bramall Lane on March 27, 2018 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
SHEFFIELD, ENGLAND - MARCH 27: James Maddison of England during the U21 European Championship Qualifier between England U21 and Ukraine U21 at Bramall Lane on March 27, 2018 in Sheffield, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images) /
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On a quiet weekend as far as Everton are concerned, there are few stories around but rumours have been revived that the Blues are leading the ongoing race to sign Norwich midfielder James Maddison.

This was a story that first surfaced earlier in the year, when Everton were amongst a number of Premier League clubs looking at the England Under-21 international.

Sky Sports are claiming that Everton are now in pole position to land the talented youngster.

He is a sought-after attacking player who last season scored 15 goals and made another 8 assists. These are impressive stats.

Maddison rates very highly in a number of key attacking areas, such as making key passes, holding onto the ball, crossing and of course finishing.

These were all areas where Everton were markedly deficient in the last campaign. Frankly any player who can improve the Blues turgid attack is worth considering.

Apparently new manager Marco Silva is also an admirer of the young playmaker, which might move things along more quickly.

His arrival could also be important as it looks increasingly likely that Wayne Rooney will be leaving for the MLS.

Obviously Everton have the Icelandic ‘number 10’ Gylfi Sigurdsson to come back but real competition for places amongst genuinely talented, creative footballers can’t be a bad thing.

Too many Blues players seemed to be coasting towards the end of the season and that has to change.

Maddison’s arrival might be part of a wider strategy to bring in a group of exciting young players to create a strong squad for the long-term. We will see.

In other news related to Everton, England boss Gareth Southgate has dropped his strongest hint that Blues number 1 Jordan Pickford will be his starting keeper in Russia.

Following England’s 2-1 win over Nigeria he is quoted on BBC Sport saying:

"“There was a bit of a statement with the selection of Jordan. His decision-making was good although he was rarely tested.”"

Not the most lavish praise anyone has ever uttered! But it would seem to indicate that Pickford will get the nod when England kick off their World Cup campaign against Tunisia on the 18th June.

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So Everton’s only representative in the squad is looking a certain starter.

I can’t really get too excited about the World Cup to be honest, another bloated international tournament at the end of a long domestic season.

These competitions become increasingly tiresome with endless pre-qualifying games before the exhausted teams stagger into the knock-out rounds.

Next: First player rumours for new boss Silva

There is rarely any real quality football on display, especially from England! But let’s at least hope that Pickford has a fine campaign and maybe the Three Lions can surprise us.

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