Everton are more likely to sign Donny van de Beek from Premier League rivals Manchester United than Juventus misfit Aaron Ramsey in the January transfer window, as reported by the Liverpool Echo.
Between them, a pair of international midfielders have started just one league game in the past three months – while appearing on the pitch for a grand total of 112 minutes.
So, as far as Van de Beek and Ramsey are concerned, the winter window can’t come soon enough.
According to reports on Merseyside, Everton are weighing up whether to renew their interest in Manchester United’s £35 million forgotten man in early 2022.
Van de Beek was denied a deadline-day switch to Goodison Park in August, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reluctant to let the former Ajax star leave – much to the disappointment of his agent.
But if the 24-year-old hoped it was a show of faith from the under-fire United boss, it seems he was sadly mistaken.
It’s understood a central midfielder is one of Everton’s top priorities heading into the new year, with Van de Beek on their list of targets.
And, according to the Liverpool Echo, he’s a more likely acquisition at this stage than Wales international Ramsey.
So will Van de Beek finally join Everton from Manchester United in January?
Former Arsenal ace Ramsey has fallen further and further down the pecking order at Juventus and will turn 31 in December.
And while the Serie A giants have shown a willingness to let Ramsey leave for a cut-price fee, it remains to be seen whether anyone is willing to take over his eye-watering £165,000-a-week pay packet (Calciomercato).
Ramsey has been linked with a move to West Ham United and Newcastle in recent weeks. His proven track record in the Premier League could see him make an immediate impact at a relegation-threatened Magpies side with no time to waste.
Some have suggested a return to Arsenal could also be on the cards, although Gunners legend Ray Parlour thinks it’s a non-starter.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
