Transfer blow for Everton as £28 million man rejects Goodison move

Everton have finally announced the appointment of Sean Dyche as the new manager and the Englishman has wasted no time in getting work done as the Toffees ramp up their pursuit of transfer targets in January. Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher has emerged as a target in the final couple of days of the winter transfer window.

The Toffees have been working to get deals over the line but have failed to do so until now. We are in the final 24 hours of the transfer window and EFC are yet to sign a player this month. They need to strengthen the squad or getting out of this relegation mess is going to be an improbable task.

Everton need to sign a striker and a wide man as the attack is the weakest area on pitch. The strikers are not firing and there has not been enough support from the flanks. The sale of Anthony Gordon to Newcastle United means that the Merseysiders need to look for a replacement for the 21 year old too.

Dyche does have funds to work in the window thanks to Gordon’s sale. Everton will be expected to be one of the busiest clubs on the transfer deadline day as a number of targets have been linked and the Toffees are looking to reinforce more than one position.

Everton handed transfer blow in Conor Gallagher chase

What came as a surprise this evening was Everton’s interest in Chelsea midfielder Gallagher. According to Fabrizio Romano, the Toffees submitted a bid of £40 million plus another £5 million in add-ons for the 22 year old midfielder. Chelsea were yet to make a decision as a number of clubs have shown interest in the academy graduate.

The player himself was yet to decide if he would be willing to move to Goodison Park. Everton chasing a midfielder does come as a surprise, especially when the frontline is vulnerable and ineffective.

Furthermore, Gallagher is valued at £28 million by Transfermarkt and technically EFC are pouring all the money they received from Gordon’s sale into the bid for Gallagher. However, Gallagher would work in Dyche’s system as he can operate as an advanced midfielder and is an efficient presser.

However, the Toffees have received a blow in the chase of the Chelsea midfielder. According to Metro, Gallagher is not willing to move to Goodison Park and will reject the chance of joining Everton. Instead, the 22 year old wants to wait for an offer from a top six Premier League side. Chelsea remain open to selling the midfielder, provided they can sign Enzo Fernandez from Benfica before the end of the transfer window.

Should Everton sign Conor Gallagher?