Everton storm into the race to sign “top tier player”

Everton have now joined the race for an “absolutely top tier player”, having set out to strengthen their midfield during the January transfer window.

Last week, it was revealed Conor Gallagher had been identified as a target, but it could be very difficult to get a deal done this winter, as current employers Tottenham Hotspur have very little interest in sanctioning a departure.

Signing a new midfielder is on the agenda for the Toffees, in light of Hayden Hackney enduring a difficult start to life at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, starting just one Premier League match all season, which was against Crystal Palace on the opening day.

Reuters/Jason Cairnduff

David Moyes has admitted the former Middlesbrough man is taking time to adapt to life in the top flight, saying after the 3-1 EFL Cup victory against Newcastle United: “I think he’s still learning, like many of the boys I’ve taken from the Championship. I think he’s still got a lot more to do.

“I thought he had some good moments, but he had some moments where I wanted a bit more from him. Obviously getting the goal, and bits of his play, were great, but there are other bits of it that I want him to improve on.”

The 24-year-old bagged his first goal in a blue shirt in the triumph against the Magpies, but the Merseyside club are now looking to sign a new midfielder, and an Allsvenskan star has emerged as a target.

Everton join race for Abdoulaye Doumbia amid Hayden Hackney’s struggles

REUTERS/Jon Super

According to a report from Football Insider, Everton are now plotting a move to sign BK Hacken star Abdoulaye Doumbia, who has also been identified as a target for Premier League rivals Sunderland and Coventry City.

Journalist Pete O’Rourke explained: “That move to the Premier League is likely to be something that would appeal to him, and he might be ready to make that step up now.

“He’s impressed a number of clubs with his performances in Sweden, and clubs have been keeping a close eye on his progress. He’s done very well for Hacken since his arrival there last January.”

Scout Andreas Anderson is a big fan of the 19-year-old’s defensive capabilities, saying: “He is absolutely top tier as a defensive midfielder when it comes to winning the ball.”

Indeed, the teenager, who has the same agent as Harrison Armstrong, excels when it comes to winning back possession, averaging 2.2 tackles and 3.6 interceptions per 90 in the Allsvenskan this season, which ranks him first on both metrics in the BK Hacken squad.

However, akin to Hackney, Doumbia has no prior experience in the Premier League, and having never tested himself outside Sweden, it could take him a while to make the step up.