Everton transfer news: Aaron Ramsey tussle with Newcastle, Pape Abou Cisse competition and more

There have been indications that Everton will try to bring reinforcements in the January transfer window especially after freeing up the wages of James Rodriguez, allowing them little room for movement without breaching the Financial Fair Play rules. Rafa Benitez has already stated that Farhad Moshiri is willing to spend money and they will look to improve the team in January.

Of course, freeing up James’ wages doesn’t mean that the Toffees can now go on a spending spree but they won’t be crippled as they were in the summer transfer window. With the winter transfer window inching closer, the transfer news and rumours have started circulating, creating some interesting and some outrageous plots.

Everton desperately need cover in the full back area as they remain without a long term successor to Seamus Coleman. Lucas Digne is the only traditional left back in the squad with Niels Nkounkou leaving on loan in the summer. Rafa Benitez perhaps intends to add more steel to the midfield to support Allan and Abdoulaye Doucoure. The duo of Doucoure and Allan has been magnificent in the heart of the midfield but the Toffees lack reliable backups to the high yielding pair.

Donny Van de Beek has been touted as a winter transfer target as the Dutchman is likely to make an effort to leave Manchester United in January. Everton tried to sign him on loan and even had an agreement with Van de Beek in the summer but Manchester United didn’t want to loan him out.

Newcastle United join Everton in chase of Aaron Ramsey

Another story that is gaining a lot of momentum in Italy is that of Aaron Ramsey. Juventus want to offload the midfielder as he doesn’t feature extensively in Massimiliano Allegri’s plans. Furthermore, the Old Lady want to get rid of the gigantic wages that they pay to the Welshman. Everton have been linked with the former Arsenal man on several occasions with the Toffees carrying out a survey on the player in the summer.

Following the Saudi takeover of Newcastle United, the Magpies have also been linked with Ramsey. According to Sport Witness, Newcastle aim to bolster their squad in the winter transfer market and could challenge Everton and other interested clubs for Ramsey. The Bianconeri want to get rid of the €7 million per season salary which will allow them to look for a new midfielder in January.

Everton won’t face Liverpool competition for Pape Abou Cisse

Everton, Liverpool and Arsenal are said to be tracking Olympiacos defender Pape Abou Cisse. The 6’ 6’’ giant was watched by Liverpool scouts against Fenerbahce however, a report from Inside Futbol claims that the Reds won’t go ahead with their pursuit for the Senegalese defender.

Cisse has been an important presence in the Olympiacos defence and his string of strong performances has attracted the attention of the Premier League clubs. Whether Arsenal or Everton activate Cisse’s chase in January is still unclear but Reds are not going to move for the 26 year old.

Everton eyeing Real Betis midfielder Rodrigo Sanchez

Midfield reinforcements seem very likely as Everton have been strongly linked to a number of midfielders like Van de Beek and Ramsey. Real Betis midfielder Rodri Sanchez has also found himself on that list as the Spaniard is admired by the Merseysiders and could switch from Spain to England for a low price.

His contract runs out in 2024 which is why he could be available for a modest sum in the summer of 2022. Apart from Everton, two more Premier League sides are interested in the Spaniard.

Brighton and Hove Albion along with Southampton are keeping an eye on Rodri. At 21, Rodri has impressed with his development and maturity. He is learning from Nabil Fekir and Sergio Canales and continues his metamorphosis.

Which areas will Everton improve in the January transfer window?