Everton are reportedly keen on Jonny Evans and Patrick can Aanholt.
Sam Allardyce and Pep Guardiola
According to The Sun, Everton want to bring in Jonny Evans and Patrick van Aanholt in January to boost Sam Allardyce’s defensive options at Goodison Park.
Everton swooped to make Allardyce their new manager last week, and he picked up a win in his first game with a 2-0 victory at home to Huddersfield Town on Saturday afternoon.
Despite that win, which took Everton into the top half of the table, Allardyce will be closely analysing his squad with a view to making key additions during the January transfer window.
The Sun report that Allardyce wants West Brom centre back Jonny Evans and Crystal Palace left back Patrick van Aanholt, with Evans allegedly being eyed up for a £30million switch.
The Telegraph claim that Manchester City will try again for Evans in January after failing with two summer bids, whilst The Sun noted last month that City are lining up a £12million bid for Van Aanholt after Benjamin Mendy’s injury.
Evans and Van Aanholt may not be necessarily exciting names for Everton fans, but backing Allardyce to sign both players in a £42million double swoop – despite interest from the Premier League leaders – would be a major signal of intent.
Evans would boost a defence which has struggled for much of this season, whilst Van Aanholt is a trusted lieutenant for Allardyce, having worked together at Sunderland and Crystal Palace, offering a natural replacement for Leighton Baines at left back.
Many believed that Allardyce was just a short-term appointment to tide Everton over until they could land somebody with a perceivably ‘bigger name’ – but if they can hand him the money to sign two of his top targets, it will be clear that the Toffees are giving the 63-year-old every chance to become a longer-term success at Goodison Park.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
