A few days ago, Everton were strongly linked to Wolves attacking midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White. In fact, the Toffees saw their £25 million bid rejected but their interest remains afloat in the young Englishman. Now, Everton seem to target another Wolves midfielder in Leander Dendoncker.
Everton’s transfer activity has been slow. The only arrival so far has been the free transfer of James Tarkowski. The Royal Blues are seeing their transfer targets join other clubs and this in turn is posing serious questions over the team’s preparations for the next season. Everton need to have a competitive side if they want to avoid a repeat of last season.
Frank Lampard is eager to add a midfielder to the roster. The Toffees have been linked to Harry Winks as well as Chelsea youngster duo of Conor Gallagher and Billy Gilmour. Everton were locked in talks with Tottenham for Winks during the negotiations of the Richarlison deal but ultimately the Merseysiders decided not to pursue the 26 year old.
Meanwhile, Everton may also entertain offers for some of their current midfielders. Andre Gomes’ future at Goodison Park looks uncertain. The Toffees are only left with Allan, Abdoulaye Doucoure, Tom Davies and Gomes as central midfield options. Dele Alli is suited to play a more advanced role.
Everton keen on Leander Dendoncker
The scarcity of options has prompted Lampard to sign another midfielder. According to Fabrizio Romano, Everton wants to sign an extra quality midfielder. The manager has Wolves’ Dendoncker on the list. The Portuguese is admired by the club board too and the team will try to sign him in the upcoming weeks.
Dendoncker’s current deal runs till the summer of 2023 and there’s no option to extend the current contract. This gives Everton some room to get the central midfielder this summer or Wolves risk losing him on a free transfer in 2023. The 27 year old has been a regular part of Wolves’ central midfield but he possesses valuable versatile skills, allowing him to operate as a defensive midfielder and also as a centre back in a back three system if needed.
The 27 year old has a fairly impressive fitness record with the player not missing any game last season due to a major injury. Last time he missed a game due to an injury was way back in January 2021. The Toffees were plagued with injuries last season and Lampard wants to build a robust squad.
Dendoncker is not a world beater but his signing could solve a key problem that is troubling Everton. In the upcoming days, the Toffees could get more active in the chase of another Wolves midfielder who Kevin Thelwell knows well.
Will Everton push to sign Leander Dendoncker from Wolves?