Everton in pole position for Neres as Digne speculation continues
As we wait for confirmation that Lucas Digne is on his way out of Everton, presumably for Aston Villa, another forward is being linked with a move to Goodison Park.
That’s David Neres the Ajax and Brazil player who is apparently available, possibly in this transfer window. So, should he be on the radar as Everton search for more attacking options?
Reports in the media claim that Neves could go for the right fee and that the Blues’ are in fact the favourites to sign the 24-year-old, although of course these days given their financial resources Newcastle are also alledged suitors. The fee for him is said to be around £15 million.
This all seems highly unlikely, as usual. But, Neres is a player who has I think been tentatively linked with the Toffees’ before now (there are so many it’s difficult to always remember!) and again he’s yet another of these versatile forwards who can play wide or through the middle.
He’s a left-footed, right-sided winger, something Everton have needed for quite a while and although Andros Townsend has generally done a decent job in that role since joining in the summer, he’s obviously not the long-term answer.
While it’s clear the Brazilian has plenty of talent and ability and resembles Demarai Gray a little, his lack of playing time this season is a little concerning and he has been struggling for form.
If he can’t get game-time in the Eredivise because he’s not delivering the goods, then he will surely find it even harder in the Premier League so that’s an important issue to consider.
Neres’ future might also be impacted by Ajax’s interest in a move for another winger, Tottenham’s Duth forward Steven Bergwijn, who is available for transfer this month.
Were Ajax to secure his services it might make Neres position increasingly more uncertain and so he could in fact be on his way to England this January.
Anyway, whatever the truth of this particular rumour, moves for players like him by the Toffees’ are unlikely even if they’re genuinly interested unless the Digne deal gets done and Everton have enough in the kitty to spend. So, we have to wait and see if that transfer can be sorted out to the satisfaction of both parties.