Everton can open talks with Schalke 04 for a swap deal

Everton is keen on Weston McKennie and is mulling over a swap deal for Jonjoe Kenny.

Schalke 04 acquired Everton right back Jonjoe Kenny on loan last summer. It was considered a strategic and superb move considering the youngster wouldn’t get regular football at Goodison Park. In Germany, he’ll get acclimatized to fast pace football and gain some much needed first team minutes.

Very impressively, Kenny has done almost everything right at the Veltins Arena. The full back excelled offensively as well as defensively and was an ever present name in the team. Jonjoe Kenny has amassed 31 Bundesliga appearances scoring two and assisting three. Even though Schalke 04 had a sub-standard Bundesliga campaign, the growth of Kenny as a player cannot be undermined.

If given the opportunity, Schalke would love make the signing permanent. This may not be entirely impossible as Everton have ignited their interest in Schalke 04 star Weston McKennie. According to the Bild, Everton are set to rival Newcastle United for central midfielder Weston McKennie.

The highly talented midfielder could solve major midfield problems for Everton and it is very evident why the Toffees are eyeing a move for him. The United States international had a breakthrough season last term and has carried the momentum into this season too, becoming a key cog in the Die Knappen midfield.

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The German side are open to parting ways with McKennie for a fee in the region of £22.5 million. At this price, the Merseysiders may not be able to sign a player as versatile as him. Weston McKennie can play as a central midfielder, defensive midfielder, number 8 and centre half.

Perhaps the £22.5 million asking price can further be brought down by offering Jonjoe Kenny in exchange. Obviously, the American’s worth is more than Kenny but a player plus cash deal will be a win-win for all parties. From Everton’s actions, it is evident that they are not completely trusting Kenny as a successor to Seamus Coleman and instead are scouting Ola Aina.

From Schalke’s perspective, they lose one of their biggest rising stars but in return get an adequate amount of money plus Jonjoe Kenny, a player they are certainly attracted to. For the Toffees, McKennie could be the aspirin to the midfield headache. In fact, he can slot almost anywhere and everywhere, so, a player plus cash deal could be on the cards.