Reported Everton target Alexandru Cicaldau has been encouraged to leave Romanian football behind and prove his ‘extraordinary quality’ in a major European league by veteran manager Ioan Andone (BRB).
With The Toffees seemingly giving priority to a commanding central defender and a midfield enforcer in the Abdoulaye Doucoure mould, links with an exciting ‘number ten’ have grown a little cold of late.
The Mirror (19 July, page 70) report that Everton were confident of tying up a deal for the £3.5 million-rated Cicaldau later in the summer.
And with the window set to remain open until October, there is plenty of time for Everton to step up their interest.
The Romania international notched 15 goals and eight assists during an exceptional campaign for Craiova and, as far as Andone is concerned, a move to Goodison Park would be just rewards.
“For me, the most obvious player who could play as a starter in a foreign championship is Cicaldau. Cicaldau is ready to be exported. He has extraordinary quality,” the former Astana, Cluj and Dinamo Bucharest coach says.
“He has years ahead of him and plays 30-35 games per season. I am not talking about Manchester City, but for a good team from the West, he will play.”
Everton director Marcel Brands is famed for his ability to unearth rough diamonds and hidden gems, having discovered a young Kevin Strootman, Gini Wijnaldum, Hirving Lozano and Sergio Romero during his time in Holland.
So Cicaldau, a 23-year-old set-piece specialist who models himself on Andres Iniesta, feels about as typical a Brands signing as it is possible to find.
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