Hello, it’s time to play as the Everton Transfer Rumour mill turns. Right now, as you read this, moving vans are taking football players, their belongings, and their families to new and exciting destinations. It goes something like this-
Dispatcher: “Anton, you have a midfielder to drop off in Blackpool and since you’re in the general area there are a couple of wingers who might need to go to Everton”
Anton: “Got you, boss, it seems like the last few years we’ve taken quite a few players to Everton.”
Traffic, coming to and coming from L4 4EL has been pretty busy, recently and it looks like it will continue. So here’s a look at who might be on their way to Goodison Park.
Everton are targeting wingers
Everton has lacked pace and width, especially on the right-side in recent seasons. It’s been widely reported 21-year-old speedster Dwight McNeil is among Everton’s top targets.
The Daily Mirror reports, Rafa Benitez wants to add more attacking options and Burnley’s McNeil is reported to be top of his list. Everton might have to battle Aston Villa for McNeil, who is valued at £25 million.
But it might take a larger offer to pry the 21-year-old away from Turf Moor. McNeil is very happy with Burnley, according to LancsLive
"I know the team we have and I am comfortable and have played a lot of football and have enjoyed my football the most at Burnley, he said.I know all the players so well and what they think of me as a player and a person. It’s such a good team to be a part of and that’s another reason that made it so easy to sign the contract in the summer – with the team we have here and the management."
McNeil is under contract until 2024 with Burnley. The Liverpool Echo reports, the Blues want Bayer Leverkusen winger Demarai Gray for £1.5 million. Gray has also played for Birmingham and won the Premier League crown with Leicester.
Everton are also interested in Leon Bailey, another Leverkusen winger.
Bailey, a left-footed right-winger, can also play on the left and through the middle. He scored nine goals and had eight assists last season. He would tick a couple of boxes for Everton and has been valued at £31 million by Transfermkt.
It looks like Asmir Begovic and Andros Townsend are soon to arrive on free transfers, according to The Athletic, Begovic, who was allowed to leave Bournemouth a year early, won’t replace England star Jordan Pickford between the posts. He will be a useful reserve, though. Begovic, 34, has also played for Chelsea and Stoke. He will also be a mentor to the younger Everton ‘keepers.
Winger Townsend, who just turned 30 was released by Crystal Palace at the end of last season. A former England international, he’s also likely to be a squad player.
Rafa Benitez intends to solve the issues of squad depth and inject pace in the side by signing skilled wingers.
Which of these wide players would you like Everton to sign?