These are heady days indeed at Everton. Not only did we unveil Wayne Rooney yesterday as the highest paid player in the club’s history, now the club is being linked with a marquee signing that we’ve been hearing about ever since Farhad Moshiri became majority shareholder of the Toffees.
Former Everton head of media relations Alan Myers teased this evening on Twitter that the club was looking at a player that has so far not been linked (much) with the Blues, which severely narrows the pool of players available since we’ve either bought or rejected half of the Premier League so far.
And a new contender comes forward! Hearing a possible new name, which if true would be very interesting! Checking it out, not definite yet
— Alan Myers (@ALANMYERSMEDIA) July 10, 2017
For those asking it's not Costa! It's someone not mentioned before but until I get confirmation won't name, very interesting though
— Alan Myers (@ALANMYERSMEDIA) July 10, 2017
It's a striker but until I get a V reliable source to confirm won't name, (a few of you have it right)
— Alan Myers (@ALANMYERSMEDIA) July 10, 2017
I think so!
— Alan Myers (@ALANMYERSMEDIA) July 10, 2017
Playing in PREM
— Alan Myers (@ALANMYERSMEDIA) July 10, 2017
No
— Alan Myers (@ALANMYERSMEDIA) July 10, 2017
No
— Alan Myers (@ALANMYERSMEDIA) July 10, 2017
Poring through his tweets has been a bit like Hansel and Gretel following the trail of breadcrumbs back home, but here is a shortlist we’ve come up with from the criteria mentioned.
Sergio Aguero
A white whale type of possibility. A clinical finisher. Signing him would vault Everton right into the Champions League discussion. Aguero has been one of the best goalscorers in world football for his entire career, and he’s still just 28.
Wilfried Bony
The Ivorian is decidedly out of favor at the Etihad, and his loan move to Stoke City didn’t work out, either. Bony may have a little bit left to offer, but going into the season with just him and Sandro Ramirez sounds scary.
Islam Slimani
Just heard today that he wants out. Hasn’t quite worked out at Leicester City this season, and a bit of an intriguing possibility, but not really a marquee signing either.
Edin Dzeko
This one is a just-breaking story, with Bosnian radio reporting that the Blues are to start talks with AS Roma for the former Manchester City forward. Dzeko is 31 and plundered 39 goals last season in defensive-minded Italy, so would be quite the get for the Blues.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Indeed a possibility while we’re at it. A big-name striker past his best, but still hungry enough with something to prove - the Ibra doesn’t usually go to a club that are not contending for the League title. He’s also out until the winter with a severe knee injury.
Michy Batshuayi
An exciting possibility, to be sure. But he just signed for Chelsea a year ago and the Champions are thin at the position. Would have to think they bring in a player prior to allowing Bats to leave.
Alvaro Negredo
His first couple of stints in England didn’t work out that well. Was decent on a good City side a few years ago, and was okay on an offensively-challenged Middlesborough side last year. A bit underwhelming if he’s it.
Fernando Llorente
It’s unlikely Swansea City would want to sell the Spaniard, as they likely have plans to pair him with Tammy Abraham. However, he certainly has the pedigree to be productive.
Who could it be? Is the deal for Olivier Giroud off the table? Stay tuned.
UPDATE: 4:36pm EST / 9:36pm BST
At this point Everton have bids in for two and strong interest in one according to my sources, nothing imminent so rest easy.
— Alan Myers (@ALANMYERSMEDIA) July 10, 2017
2x strikers 1x Midfielder
— Alan Myers (@ALANMYERSMEDIA) July 10, 2017
UPDATED UPDATE: 6:00pm EST / 11:00pm BST
Turns out it’s a name that most fans would not like to hear. He’s Belgian too, and a former Red to boot. Ugh.
Ok, so I've heard that Everton have expressed an interest I Cristian Benteke, Giroud and Sigurdson, I hear Giroud doesn't want to leave AFC
— Alan Myers (@ALANMYERSMEDIA) July 10, 2017