Everton is yet to release the list of players it plans to keep for the next season. It’ll be over the upcoming weekend most likely. But that’s another story.
According to a number of reports, James Tarkowski has had his physical at Everton and is deciding whether or not to take the offer. And while Tarkowski (29) is not perhaps the prime age Everton should be seeking, he is a solid and dependable defender. He is likely to be a leader for Everton’s defense if he chooses to sign. If you know your history, you’ll remember Richard Gough playing well when he was nearly a decade older than Tarkowski.
So now, let’s get into the rumours and there are many. So, in a mix of laziness and space concerns, I’ve whittled them down to five.
No 1 and 1A - Gareth Bale and Christian Eriksen. Both these former Spurs stars would be available on frees. Blues’ manager Frank Lampard’s Uncle Harry Redknapp said Bale would be worth a gamble for Everton, as he told talkSport.
I would take a gamble with him if I was in the Premier League. I think when he went to Tottenham, he didn’t really get the chance to play. He didn’t get a run. It seemed as though it wasn’t Jose’s (Mourinho) choice (to sign him). If I was at Everton or Leeds, good clubs, that takes gambles. I would take a gamble on him.”
Writing in talkSports Transfer Blog, Alex Crook says Eriksen is likely to leave Brentford after his short-term contract expires this summer and names Everton and Spurs as two possible destinations.
My thoughts: I honestly can’t see either of these happening. Bale is on massive wages and would probably have to take a more than 85% percent cut on his £600,000 a week he was on at Real Madrid. Unless of course, Carlo Ancelotti got in his ear and told him how great Everton was. Eriksen may be more likely, but it depends on Spurs, if Antonio Conte wants him, that’s where he’ll go as his family is settled in London.
3. Adama Traore - Kevin Thelwell signed him when he was at Wolves. Thelwell is now director of football at EFC and it doesn’t take rocket science for numerous sources to make the link. Traore is seen as possible replacement for Richarlison leaves.
My thoughts: A lot depends on Richarlison, if he stays and perhaps signs a new deal. It’s unlikely, a move will be made. But you never can tell.
4. Harry Winks - According to the Liverpool Echo,
Winks could offer Everton something new in midfield. There’s no doubt,, Lampard wants to improve his midfield as injuries and poor form have often resulted in selection problems. It looks like Antonio Conte doesn’t want Winks as his playing time was limited. Data on Comparisonator, shows Winks compares favourably with Allan and Abdelouaye Doucoure in the centre of the pitch.
My thoughts: This could well take place, perhaps with a structured deal, similiar to the one given Dele Alle. It’s odd to think Everton could end with a midfield 3 of ex-Spurs’ players.
5. Connor Galagher - Currently at Chelsea, Lampard knows him well and following a very good season at Crystal Palace. He’s the kind of young player, Lampard would like to build around. Given Lampard’s Chelsea links, it’s not surprising numerous sources have linked him with a move to Everton.
My thoughts: He would be a great buy. But do Chelsea want to let him go and if they do, would Everton have the money? That said, I’d give it a better than 50/50 chance Gallagher ends up wearing the royal blue next season.
Let me know what you think? I plan on writing about Everton on a much more regular basis. I plan on at least 4 times a week possibly more. I also plan on taking some of articles behind a paywall as well. It won’t be expensive £5 a month with a few other plans. Most of my copy will still be free, but hey I need beer money and a few other things.