Everton are set to part ways with local lad Anthony Gordon as the Englishman has pushed for a move and got his wish granted. Gordon is set to join Newcastle United and the Toffees are searching for his replacement. Chelsea attacker Hakim Ziyech is a target for Everton and they are willing to push for his signature.
Gordon has not been up to the mark this season and was linked with a move to Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur in the summer. Back then, EFC rejected all the offers as they were adamant at keeping their prized asset at the club. The stance changed in January as the player himself was flattered by the Newcastle interest and was looking for a move.
Gordon missed three days of training as links to Newcastle started to intensify. The Magpies have finally reached an agreement with Everton for the transfer of Gordon. The 21 year old has undergone his medical at Newcastle and should put pen on paper anytime soon as EFC are set to receive £40 million from his sale.
Everton are set to announce the appointment of Sean Dyche as their new manager after Frank Lampard was sacked on Monday. The £40 million earned from Gordon’s sale will be utilized to reinforce a struggling and disoriented squad.
Everton eye Hakim Ziyech as Anthony Gordon replacement
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Toffees want to sign Ziyech from Chelsea as a welcome gift to Dyche as the former Burnley man takes over the reins at Goodison Park. With the departure of Gordon, EFC are looking for a replacement and view Ziyech as a viable candidate.
Everton are facing competition from AS Roma for Ziyech, who is available for £17.5 million in January as Chelsea look to sell some players after spending over £500 million in two transfer windows.
Everton will have their work cut out in convincing Ziyech to come to Goodison Park and be part of a relegation battle, especially when he has better suitors at the table. If the Toffees manage to convince the Moroccan to make the switch to Merseyside, he will solve Everton’s creative issues to a certain extent.
EFC do not have creators on their team and so far Alex Iwobi has been carrying out the responsibility solely. If Ziyech arrives, he can play as an attacking midfielder as well as on the right wing and be an integral part of the buildup. However, it will take a great deal of convincing to bring Ziyech to Everton.
Will EFC manage to sign Hakim Ziyech from Chelsea?