Everton Linked With Sevilla Ace as Possible Schneiderlin Successor
By Tom Power
Rumours concerning Blues move for Sevilla midfielder continue to circulate
Everton have again been linked with a move for Steven Nzonzi as Marco Silva continues to plot his transfer market business.
French news publication Le 10 Sport has claimed that the France international is on Silva’s summer wishlist.
Nzonzi was only linked with a switch to Goodison Park in January and those rumours have resurfaced once more six months later.
The 29-year-old has a £35m release clause fee in his contract with Sevilla, but Everton would likely be hesitant to pay that.
Premier League side Arsenal are also thought to be in the hunt for Nzonzi, although they could move on from him when they land Uruguay star Lucas Torreira this week.
Nzonzi was tipped to rejoin former Blues boss Sam Allardyce on Merseyside after the duo worked together at Blackburn Rovers.
That didn’t materialise in the end, and Allardyce was sacked and replaced by Silva at the end of last term.
Despite this managerial change, Everton and Nzonzi continue to joined together in gossip columns.
The Toffees are in need of a new dynamic midfielder who can protect the back four and act as a pivot to start attacks under Silva.
Nzonzi’s ability on the ball, strength, stamina and keenness to tackle would make him a very good addition to the first-team ranks.
However, any possible deal would have to wait until France’s involvement at the World Cup is over.
And that’s before there’s any concrete talks can place, with some Evertonians having reservations over Nzonzi’s price tag and age.
At 29 he would not have much resale value in a couple of seasons, and Silva should arguably eye younger talent that he can mould in his image.
Everton are not desperate to bring in centre midfielders just yet as they still retain a number of decent options at the club.
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If Silva and Marcel Brands continue their squad culling, however, there will be a need for reinforcements to be brought in.