As Everton continue to be linked with a host of central defenders including former player Kurt Zouma, there are further twists in the situation of another centre-back the Blues are allegedly tracking; Jean-Clair Todibo.
Todibo, like his fellow countryman Zouma, has been one of those defenders the media claim that Everton have been pursuing for a while now.
But any potential deal for the Barcelona player has been dependent on the Toffee’s willingness to pay a fee up front for Todibo as the Spanish club seek to bring in as much income now, as possible.
That had proved a very real stumbling block to any move with Everton’s attention then moving to young English defender Fikayo Tomori at Stamford Bridge.
However, reports in the media today claim that in fact Barcelona may now be prepared to consider a loan deal for the 20-year-old to get his wages off their books.
This if true, would radically change the situation. The Blues are not looking to spend any more substantial sums in this window having already outlayed about £50-60 million.
So they were always looking for a loan deal to bring in another defender if they couldn’t get their first choice, which as I say, seemed to be Chelsea’s Tomori.
Now that could be changing with this news, although as we report today, there are now renewed rumours that Fikayo’s team mate Zouma might even be coming back to Goodison Park.
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The fee being quoted for Zouma though could be a real issue. If indeed Barcelona are now open to a loan for Todibo, I think that puts him in the front seat.
A loan for the talented young centre-back would appear be an pretty good option.
He’s young, quick and a strong, natural defender who seems to have all the tools to become a fine player.
And according to Transfermarkt.co.uk Todibo can also fill in at full-back and play centre midfield as well, so he offers versatility too.
This is a deal that I think should and given Everton’s good relations with Barca, it could be done. Todibo isn’t the finished article by any means but he fits the mold of young talent the Blues like, has a lot of potential so fingers crossed will develop into a very good player.
At any rate a loan means Everton can fill that gap at least until Mason Holgate and Jarrad Branthwaite are fit again and unless they have to include a clause to buy, the Toffees can assess him and decide if they want to make any loan permanent.