Everton left back Lucas Digne looks set for Aston Villa – and winger Anwar El Ghazi could end up at Goodison Park in a separate deal.
Fabrizio Romano first broke suggestions of El Ghazi heading to Everton on Sunday, suggesting he could be part of the Digne deal.
Sky Sports then poured cold water on that, stating that Everton had no interest in swap deals involving Digne.
However, El Ghazi could still end up joining Everton in a deal completely separate from Digne’s move.
The Liverpool Echo state that Everton want to take El Ghazi on loan until the end of the season with Rafael Benitez keen on another winger.
The Athletic claim that a permanent deal is actually most likely for El Ghazi, with talks on going between Everton and Villa.
Villa paid £8million for El Ghazi in 2019, but now want £15million for the Dutch winger according to BBC Sport.
That’s three reports all suggesting that Everton are moving for El Ghazi, with a deal seemingly there to be had.
El Ghazi, 26, has only played 44 minutes of action under Steven Gerrard and appears to be down the packing order at Villa.
Branded a ‘hell of a player’ by Dean Smith, El Ghazi does have talent but maybe isn’t what Everton fans want.
Many will wonder whether El Ghazi can really make an impact for Everton if he isn’t featuring for Villa.
Benitez needs to get his signings right, especially as he is allowing a popular player in Digne leave the club for Villa.
El Ghazi is a gamble, especially at £15million, but Benitez must believe he can get the best out of him at Everton.
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