Premier League giants Everton are hoping to lure Kerem Demirbay from Bundesliga challengers Hoffenheim and he knows rivals Liverpool well already.
Everton need a new centre-forward, a centre-half and quite possibly a left-back in the January transfer window.
Another number ten is not exactly what the doctor ordered but, nevertheless, Hoffenheim’s influential play-maker Kerem Demirbay finds himself being linked with a move to Goodison Park in January.
Milan-based outlet News Mondo states that Everton are battling Arsenal for the signature of the German international, who was arguably Hoffenheim’s best player last season as they qualified for Europe for the first time in their history.
And while Everton fans may be a little sceptical at reports that another technically gifted attacking midfielder could be added to their squad, Demirbay has already done something this season that could make winning over those supporters a little easier, stating his side boasted a far better style than that of Merseyside giants Liverpool.
“We definitely play the better football. We’ll see in the end whether it will be enough,” he told Bild ahead of the Champions League qualifier with Jurgen Klopp’s Reds.
“You have to say honestly that this is a good team but we’re a good team too. We’re not Liverpool but we can go there with our chests out and play completely freely.
“We’re good enough to survive there and score at least two goals.”
In the end, however, Hoffenheim’s infamous high pressing, free-flowing style was not enough. After winning 2-1 in Germany, a Liverpool side inspired by compatriot Emre Can cruised to a 4-2 win at Anfield to book their place in the Champions League group stage.
Although signing for Everton in January would give Demirbay the chance to get some measure of revenge on Klopp and company in time.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
