Reports on Friday suggest West Ham United have had a bid rejected by Swansea City for defender Alfie Mawson – but should Everton get into the mix?
It begs the question: what kind of defender do Everton really need? £30m signing Michael Keane must be of the utmost consideration here – the Toffees can’t give up on him now, but the club will certainly be expecting more from him next season.
And although Ashley Williams and Phil Jagielka each have years of Premier League experience, we have probably seen their best days. Fresher legs are perhaps now needed at Everton at the back.
Jonny Evans’ transfer to Leicester City has left a few top-flight teams looking slow off the mark as the West Bromwich Albion captain left for just £3m. Evans’ experience – and he is still comfortably good enough for the Premier League – did seem ideally suited to being Keane’s partner. And at a price that suits a transitional summer for Everton.
But perhaps it’s time to head in a slightly different direction by looking for a long-term partner for Keane.
That man could be Swansea City’s Alfie Mawson. The 24-year-old has been one of Swansea’s best performers over the last two years and, following the club’s relegation, his future is surely in doubt there.
He may only have two years of Premier League experience, but Mawson has shown the ability to step up, having performed in all England’s football’s top six divisions. His next one will be his biggest and West Ham are known to have a keen interest in the Englishman.
The prospect of striking up a partnership with Keane would be hugely beneficial to both him and Everton, however. Both are in the same age bracket and, given Everton’s need for stability right now, the two of them devolpinging together long-term could be exactly what’s needed. All they need to do is convince Swansea to part with the player.
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