Dean Jones has told Give Me Sport that Everton are more likely to bring Moussa Dembele to the club this month than raiding Serie A side Atalanta for Duvan Zapata – despite holding talks for the Colombian ace in the last few weeks.
Zapata, 31, has struggled this season. Coming into the campaign, he scored 79 goals in 162 games. But this term, he has managed to score just one goal in his 13 games. Fabrizio Romano says Everton are to hold fresh talks for Zapata.
It is unclear if that interest in Zapata will remain, after Frank Lampard was sacked by the Toffees. But, Everton need to bring in a striker and will surely still be considering new signings with time running out – alongside a new manager.
Zapata is not the only striker on Everton’s shortlist. Foot Mercato say Everton wanted to sign Dembele on a free in the summer, but have forwarded their plans to land the Frenchman. 90Min say Aston Villa are in talks to sign the Lyon ace.
Jones says Everton are more likely to get Dembele, than Zapata: “That’s definitely one that I could see being a lot more likely [than Zapata] in terms of happening. He’d be a really good option for them up top. I think he’s a good player.”
Jones: Everton more likely to bring Dembele to the club than Zapata
It is panic stations for Everton right now. No manager, and a week left in the January window with signings needed. That, or Everton will find themselves embroiled in a relegation scrap. It is a real possibility that Everton are relegated.
They need a striker. Right now, either Zapata or Dembele would be good signings. Given Dembele’s contract is due to expire at the end of the season, Jones’ claim makes sense. Zapata would be a super signing. Dembele, though, too.
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