Everton are heading into the final weeks of the ongoing transfer window in a bit of a pickle.
The Toffees’ pre-season preparations have hardly been ideal but you do have to factor in the appointment of a new manager after Carlo Ancelotti left in surprising circumstances.
What’s the word?
A player who has been linked with Everton for a number of months now is Denzel Dumfries.
The Dutch defender caught the eye at Euro 2020 and Merseyside is seen as one of his destinations for the future.
However, they may have to sign him on a temporary basis at first after several rounds of talks between Marcel Brands and Rafa Benitez.
According to the Liverpool Echo, the two parties have met and come to the conclusion that they will pursue a loan move for the £15m valued full-back instead.
The Toffees are now exploring the possibility of whether a deal can be done with his club, PSV Eindhoven.
Big upgrade
We have sung the praises of Dumfries all summer long and it’s evident that he’d be a fantastic upgrade.
Of course, Everton already have Seamus Coleman in his position but with the Irishman’s contract expiring in a year’s time, they need to tie down an option with a brighter future.
Described as “unbelievable” by former Hull man David Meyler for his performances at the European Championships, he demonstrated what a breath of fresh air he is.
Defending is a second priority for Dumfries who primarily uses his powerful and stocky frame to rampage past players on the right-hand side.
He has unrelenting pace and his desire to pick up pockets of space in the final third is what makes him such an appealing signing.
The 25-year-old scored twice for his country at the Euros and has proven to be a creative force domestically for PSV.
Last term, he provided six assists for his teammates, completing 1.4 key passes per game. When it comes to replacing Coleman, this attribute will be absolutely vital.
That being said, he is impressive in one v one defensive duels as well. He won 2.5 aerial battles per match last term which incredibly was 2.1 more than their current option on the right-hand side of defence.
Furthermore, Dumfries’ reading of the game is also far better than Coleman’s. The Dutch defender made 1.6 per match last season while Coleman only made 0.5.
On that evidence, Everton must pursue him as hard as they possibly can. He’d be a fantastic addition to the Premier League.
AND in other news, Everton target swoop for £25m “machine”, he’s a huge upgrade on Davies…