Everton and Aston Villa are looking to make additions to their squad in the January transfer window, and they could be set to do battle in the race for a Premier League star.
Despite having what has to be viewed as a disappointing summer transfer window, in which they failed to bring in a replacement for Beto, the Toffees are faring well, and currently sit fifth in the table after the 3-1 victory against Coventry City on Friday night.
David Moyes also has a decent opportunity to end the club’s very long wait for a major trophy, as League Two side Fleetwood Town are the only thing standing in their way of the EFL Cup semi-final.
With the current crop of players performing well, Moyes has admitted there may not be a flurry of new signings in the next transfer window, saying: “No. At the moment, there’s no plans (for January). I think the current group we’ve got are doing excellent.
“I think, especially knowing the way things have gone in the summer and the window, I think they need praise for how they’re doing and they’re going about it. We’ve lost a couple of games, but we’ve won a few important games as well. So, pleased with them and I hope we can keep it going.”
The Toffees were particularly eager to improve their options in the middle of the park during the summer, with three central midfielders arriving at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
|
Everton’s summer signings |
Position |
Previous Club |
Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Merlin Rohl |
CM |
Freiburg |
£18m |
|
Tyrique George |
LW |
Chelsea |
£18m |
|
Hayden Hackney |
CM |
Middlesbrough |
£16.5m |
|
Christian Norgaard |
CM |
Arsenal |
£7m |
|
Ainsley Maitland-Niles |
RB |
Lyon |
£3m |
|
Brennan Johnson |
RW |
Crystal Palace |
Swap |
|
Jack Grealish |
LW |
Man City |
Loan |
However, despite Moyes suggesting he doesn’t want to make too many alterations to his squad this winter, another central midfielder has now been identified as a target.
Everton and Aston Villa racing to sign Conor Gallagher
That is according to a report from Football Insider, which states Moyes is a huge fan of Tottenham Hotspur star Conor Gallagher, and Everton are interested in making a move for the midfielder this winter.
Leeds United could provide competition in the race for the £160,000-a-week star’s signature though, alongside Aston Villa, with both clubs retaining a long-term interest.
It could be difficult to get a deal over the line this January though, as Spurs have little interest in offloading the 26-year-old, who is rated highly by manager Roberto De Zerbi.
Former Tottenham boss Thomas Frank, who took the former Atletico Madrid man to north London, is also a strong admirer, with the Dane saying: “His character is unbelievable. He is a player who can build a top culture going forward. His work-rate and how he can carry the team on his back, more or less, though it’s not only about one player.”
Norgaard has struggled to get going at Everton since arriving in the summer, failing to make it off the bench in four of the last five league matches, so it may be a savvy move to sign a new midfielder, and Gallagher is very experienced, having made 160 Premier League appearances.
