Michael Dawson warns Sean Dyche against making Coventry City star Viktor Gyokeres his first transfer at Everton. But he feels the Toffees must now attempt to replace Neal Maupay.
Everton are set to appoint Dyche as their new manager after sacking Frank Lampard at the start of the week. He will take charge at Goodison Park with the Merseyside club just 19th in the Premier League table. They also have the second-worst attack in the division so far.
Only Wolves (12) have scored fewer goals than the Blues (15) in the top-flight this season. Anthony Gordon, Demarai Gray (3) and Dwight McNeil (2) were also the only ones to score more than once under Lampard. Maupay and Dominic Calvert-Lewin have netted just one.
Lampard signed Maupay from Brighton & Hove Albion for £15m last August to add another goal threat to his squad. But the 26-year-old has failed to justify his swoop over 13 outings, starting just seven. While Calvert-Lewin has only featured 10 times after yet more injuries.
So, before sacking Lampard, Everton had turned their attention to a transfer for Gyokeres as he thrives for Coventry. TEAMtalk reports the Toffees admire what the 24-year-old may offer on Merseyside. But a deal would cost any suitor of the 11-cap Sweden forward £18m.
Dawson urges Dyche against making Coventry’s Gyokeres his first Everton transfer
Gyokeres has also attracted interest from Leeds United and Championship leaders Burnley in January. But Coventry Live reports the Whites have cooled their pursuit as Jesse Marsch has signed Georginio Rutter. While Lancs Live notes that the Clarets cannot afford a move.
Clubs like Everton and Leeds have flocked to the Coventry Building Society Arena to mull a transfer as Gyokeres thrives. He has scored 12 goals through 28 Championship outings this season. The 6 ft 1 marksman is the second-best scorer in the second-tier so far this term.
Yet Dawson would urge Dyche against keeping Everton’s interest in a transfer and making Coventry star Gyokeres his first signing. But the former Tottenham Hotspur defender feels the Toffees must back Lampard’s successor to sign a striker before Tuesday’s deadline hits.
“This is the kind of personnel that Everton are having to look for,” Dawson told Sky Sports News (28/01, 14:13). “No disrespect to Gyokeres, he’s scored goals in the Championship. [But] he’s unproven in the Premier League and he’s going into a relegation battle.
“But one thing for Sean Dyche is that he will play 4-4-2, get the ball up to Dominic Calvert-Lewin and he will need someone with him. They signed Maupay, I don’t believe he was the answer for him to play with. Gyokeres, he’s got 12 goals this season, [but] he’s unproven.”
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