Everton near deal for backup goalkeeper

As Joel Robles’ Everton career approaches its end, Ronald Koeman and Everton have sought a proven goalkeeper to replace the Spaniard. Robles seems headed back to La Liga - likely with Deportivo - and teams of Everton’s stature prefer to have three competent stoppers in the squad.

Maarten Stekelenburg has his merits, but is well past his best. Today, Dutch outlets are reporting that the Blues are close to an agreement with Vitesse for keeper Eloy Room, for a fee rumoured to be in the region of €1.5-1.7m.

Room would compete with Stekelenburg to be Jordan Pickford’s backup, likely only receiving spot starts in early rounds of the domestic cups.

This transfer seems likely to get across the line pretty soon, and would not necessarily be included in the “1-2 new players” that Koeman still wants to bring in, given Robles’ departure.

Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images

Robles has been a good soldier for Everton, but lacks the ability to take the team to the next level of European football.

The fact that Room - a starter on his current team, and 28 years old - would want to join up with the Blues as a fringe squad member further speaks to how interested players are in the new Everton.

The transfer dealings at Goodison Park this summer are nearly done. It seems that Eloy Room will be the next man in.