Everton are hoping to do more business of transfer deadline day
It’s winter transfer deadline day and from the looks of it, it could be a long one for Everton. Frank Lampard is set to be announced as the new manager and Donny van de Beek will be the first signing of Lampard’s reign, albeit joining on loan from Manchester United.
Mirror journalist David Maddock’s update infused excitement in fans as the Toffees could be looking at 3-4 signings on Monday. Lampard is set to have the final decision in at least two signings which prepares the Toffees for a frantic day ahead of them.
Everton have already acquired the services of Nathan Patterson and Vitaliy Mykolenko in January, meanwhile, also adding Anwar El Ghazi and Van de Beek to the roster via loan deals. With Lampard arriving for a difficult mission at Goodison Park, he wants player profiles that gel with his ideologies because the Toffees do not have time to go with trial and error strategy or they’ll be staring at relegation.
Everton are still in the market looking for opportunities. As per Maddock, Lampard wants a defender and a defender with the names Van de Beek, Dele Alli and Idrissa Gueye already discussed.
There might also be outgoings as the Toffees look to cut down the wage bill and offload some fringe players. There’s a lot that could happen today.
Here are three deals that could still happen at Everton on transfer deadline day:
Idrissa Gueye has been linked with a return to Everton
1. Idrissa Gueye loan to Everton
Everton need bodies in midfield, especially after the injuries to Abdoulaye Doucoure and Fabian Delph. Idrissa Gueye was one of the best Everton players during his time and in three years he became a fan favourite. Defensively, he was a beast, tackling and muscling his way through the opposition.
Gueye left for in 2018 and since then Everton have massively struggled to find someone who can fill in the void. There have been some false dawns but the truth is no one could do it better than Gueye. A part of Everton’s failure to dominate games was down to not having a capable defensive midfielder who breaks the play.
Allan has bridged the gap to a certain extent but the need for a Gueye like profile still stands. Gueye was a name discussed with Lampard but as things stand it could prove to be difficult to sign Gueye on loan.
The Senegal international remains a firm part of Mauricio Pochettino’s plans at PSG, playing 20 games so far in the campaign. Negotiations can further be problematic due to the player being on international duty at AFCON. Yet, nothing is written in stone in football and anything could happen by the end of 11 PM today.
This is a loan deal that will be graciously received by the fans. A loan deal will be an ideal solution. Lampard wants a midfielder and Gueye is someone who ticks all the boxes.
Mason Holgate and Cenk Tosun could depart from Everton
2. Cenk Tosun departure
Cenk Tosun is expendable after failing to live up to expectations. He has entered the final six months of his contract at Everton and under no circumstances, he would stay beyond summer.
Today is the final opportunity for Everton to offload Tosun. The Turk has already rejected advances from Hull City and PSV Eindhoven. As per a report, the 30 year old is eyeing a return to his homeland and has Besiktas in his heart.
Besiktas have always remained open to the possibility of bringing Tosun back. It will be extremely difficult to get any sort of compensation for Tosun. The only plus side will be that the Royal Blues will be able to save half season wages.
3. Mason Holgate departure
Brighton lost their key defender Dan Burn to Newcastle United and in a bid to replace the 29 year old, the Seagulls are keen to sign Mason Holgate. The Englishman has reached a point of stagnancy after early promise during the 2018-19 campaign. Holgate has been in and out of the side under two managers, Carlo Ancelotti and Rafa Benitez.
With Lampard coming in, it is still unclear who would be the preferred central defence duo. Jarrad Branthwaite has stayed at the club, indicating that Lampard may want to keep the 19 year old in the squad.
If a suitable offer does arrive from Brighton, Holgate’s sale could be sanctioned. This would also promote Branthwaite up in the pecking order and allow the youngster more game time.
Which deal is most likely to happen?