€10 million rated target admits that he is ready for a new challenge amid Everton and Ajax interest

AZ Alkmaar left back Owen Wijndal has been linked with a move away as Everton remains one of the most interested parties in the Dutchman. Apart from Everton, Eredivisie champions Ajax are also keen on Wijndal.

Everton have recently signed Vitaliy Mykolenko in January after selling Lucas Digne to Aston Villa. The Ukrainian full back initially seemed to struggle but with time and effort, Mykolenko has eased into the team and was one of the top players in Toffees’ quest for Premier League safety last season.

Frank Lampard have no doubts over Mykolenko’s ability and he is set to remain Everton’s first choice left back for seasons to come. However, the Toffees are short of squad depth at left back. Everton did suffer a string of injuries and they did not have the adequate squad depth to cover those injuries which eventually saw them end up in a relegation battle.

Having a backup left back is essential and if Everton can find an exciting market opportunity that doesn’t hurt the pocket too much, the Toffees should not miss out on such a chance. Wijndal is one such option that Everton cannot go wrong with.

Everton target Owen Wijndal ready for a new challenge

The AZ Alkmaar has received interest from Ajax and Everton along with few other clubs. The Dutchman comes with a modest price tag of €10 million which is not a huge investment and will not cause any economic problems to Everton as they try and navigate their way through a fragile financial situation.

His agent will pocket bigger commission fees if his client moves abroad putting Everton and Sevilla ahead of Ajax but so far none of the sides have made official approaches. What will come as a piece of good news to the Toffee fans is that Wijndal is ready to take the next step indicating that he is willing to leave AZ and Netherlands and continue his development elsewhere.

"I’ve decided not to say much about it because that’s not very nice towards AZ. I don’t really think it’s necessary because I’m here, and I’m focusing on here. I have expressed my ambition to AZ to help the club and the club helps me with that. Which club it will ultimately be, I have no idea.I think I am ready for it, but I have also indicated in previous interviews that it must be a club that I feel really good at and otherwise I will just happily and proudly stay at AZ. That’s just still the case now. (via FC Update report)"

Reading between the lines, the 22 year old seems ready for a new challenge and his sale will help AZ carry out transfer business and make upgrades elsewhere. Everton bringing another left back means that they will be tilting towards sending Niels Nkounkou on another loan as the Frenchman continues his development and maturity process.

Will the Toffees sign Owen Wijndal this summer?