Millwall’s second choice goalkeeper has been linked with a surprise move to Everton, three years after leaving Crystal Palace.
Crystal Palace completed one of the stand-out coups of the summer transfer window, plucking four-time Ligue 1 goalkeeper of the year Steve Mandanda from Marseille on a free transfer, as reported by Sky Sports.
However, the fact that the 32-year-old has not played a single minute of Premier League action since a shaky display in November’s defeat to Burnley suggests that the move has not exactly gone to plan.
A knee injury suffered earlier in the season has not helped the Frenchman transition to life outside his homeland but, with the unconvincing Wayne Hennessey now back between the sticks on a regular basis, Palace appear to be crying out for a reliable number one.
Therefore, the mood of Eagles supporters won’t be improved if a goalkeeper the club released three years ago goes on to establish himself in the top flight.
According to The Sun (26/03, page 63), Everton are monitoring the progress of 22-year-old Millwall goalkeeper Tom King. The report claims that The Toffees are keen for the former England youth international to act as back-up to first-choice shot-stopper Joel Robles (below).
Where this leaves Maarten Stekelenberg, who has not featured since picking up an injury in December’s Merseyside derby defeat to Liverpool, is anyone’s guess. Despite the odd virtuoso display, Holland’s 2010 World Cup final goalkeeper had lost the faith of the fans following a series of high-profile errors.
And King, who let a Son Heung-Min shot squirm between his legs to cap a 6-0 defeat to Tottenham in the FA Cup quarter-finals, may not appear the most inspired addition but he clearly has the talent and time to improve.
Despite Millwall’s thrashing at White Hart Lane and his own late error, King made a number of impressive stops to prevent the scoreline from turning into a rugby result.
Though Palace, who let him leave for free, could end up ruing their decision.
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