Is Koeman going Dutch in search for attacking midfielder?

Tabloid rumours have it that Everton manager Ronald Koeman made a secret trip to Amsterdam last Wednesday to watch Ajax Amsterdam take on Olympique Lyon in the first leg of the Europa League semi final.

According to the Mirror, Koeman was there to watch attacking midfielder Davy Klaassen, who put on an offensive masterclass leading the hosts to a commanding 4-1 win. Over two dozen scouts were present, with most of the big European clubs present to watch Lyon’s Corentin Tolisso who is considered a hot property at the Champions League level.

Interestingly enough, a different mainstream media source reported that Everton are apparently also chasing Ajax’s outstanding teenage striker Kasper Dolberg. The 19-year-old forward is rated at £20million, which is about the same Klaassen would cost as well.

Klaasen has three goals in eleven Dutch senior team caps and was named Dutch Footballer of the Year last season. He has excelled in the number 10 role, picking up 19 goals and 12 assists in 47 games for Ajax this season, including Eredivisie, Champions League qualifiers and Europa League games.

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There has been plenty of talk regarding who will be Everton’s number 10 next season in the light of Ross Barkley apparently refusing to sign his contract extension. Former Evertonian Wayne Rooney has been linked with the position, but with his recent underwhelming performances, interest in him is cooling rapidly.

Gylfi Sigurdsson has done well for Swansea City this season, and will likely leave Wales should they get relegated. Ironically, Everton losing to the Swans yesterday will likely save them and could result in the Icelander staying in Swansea.

Looking at Everton’s utterly uninspired performances in recent weeks, there is no doubt that the Blues will need to sign at least one attacking midfielder to spark some inspiration in the opposing half of the pitch, the question remains who though.