Everton linked with unlikely move for Man City midfielder

Everton are among a number of clubs interested in signing Fabian Delph from Manchester City, according to Alan Myers.

The 29-year-old has just one year left on his contract at Etihad Stadium and has reportedly been told he can leave this summer.

Though the Toffees are tracking the player, Myers was keen to stress that interest doesn’t mean he is guaranteed to sign and is likely to be among a number of players being considered this summer.

Everton’s transfer policy under Marcel Brands is to target players aged around 23 under with a high sell-on value, so Delph obviously falls outside of that bracket.

However, it is believed Everton are not totally against signing older players if they can be bought for a relatively low fee. Given Delph is about to enter the final year of his contract with City Everton may be able to secure his signature for a decent price.

The question then is where he would fit in the side. Though a central midfielder by trade, Delph has spent much of the last two years filling in at left-back under Pep Guardiola.

That kind of versatility would appeal, but would Delph want to come as a back-up player? As he is hardly going to shift Lucas Digne and Leighton Baines in the left-back slot while Andre Gomes and Idrissa Gueye - if he stays - will like be the first choice midfield pairing.

Then there is the question of wages, Delph is likely to be on significant money at City.

Everton meanwhile are looking to trim their wage bill and erase the transfer mistakes of the past. Signing a 29-year-old on big wages wouldn’t make much sense in that respect.

As Alan Myers says, Delph is likely to be one name on a lengthy shortlist and any deal remains some distance away.