£33 million Everton transfer target hands in transfer request to Chelsea

Ever since Frank Lampard has become the Everton manager, the Toffees have been linked to Chelsea players and youngsters. Most recently, Chelsea attacker Hakim Ziyech has been mentioned in the links and has been described as a player that Lampard likes.

Until now, Chelsea’s homegrown talent was linked regularly to Everton. The names of Levi Colwill, Conor Gallagher, Armando Broja and Billy Gilmour have been popping up on Everton transfer rumour feed this summer. Now, Chelsea’s first team player Ziyech has also a player that is thought to be admired by Everton as the Moroccan mulls over an exit.

Journalist Dean Jones spoke about Ziyech’s situation on Give Me Sport, stating that Everton are one of the many sides keeping an eye on the 29 year old.

"The changes at Chelsea are likely to lead to Ziyech looking for a new club, and Everton are one side keeping an eye on the terms around any exit.Generally, Frank Lampard is being linked with all the homegrown players from Chelsea, but I’ve been told he’ll be interested in Ziyech too if the player is keen to stay in the Premier League. (via Give Me Sport)"

Reported Everton target Hakim Ziyech hands in a transfer request

Ziyech has failed to get into Thomas Tuchel’s regular plans. The 29 year old started just 14 Premier League games last season. In two years at Stamford Bridge, he has scored 14 times in 83 appearances, failing to become a household name in the starting lineup.

Unhappy with the current role in the team, Ziyech has handed a transfer request to Chelsea, as per Daily Mail. The player prefers to play behind the striker and create goal scoring opportunities but Tuchel has preferred Mason Mount or Kai Havertz in that role, pushing Ziyech to play out wide on the right.

Ziyech has been a long term target for AC Milan and they have reportedly opened talks with the former Ajax man. Milan are confident that they can get the Moroccan international this time as the player is looking for an exit route away from Chelsea.

Everton have been mentioned as an interested party but the Toffees will not spend big money unless a massive squad clearout takes place and one of their prized assets is sold. Chelsea will look to recoup the maximum amount of the £33 million they paid for Ziyech.

Lampard knows Ziyech well and he would be interested in the 29 year old should he want to leave Chelsea but stay in the Premier League. The Toffees must instead concentrate on improving other areas or target cheaper options.

Should Everton pursue a deal for Hakim Ziyech?