Everton boss Sam Allardyce reportedly wants Wahbi Khazri.
Reports from TEAMtalk earlier this week suggested that Everton boss Sam Allardyce is looking to reunite with playmaker Wahbi Khazri – though that move would be somewhat problematic for the Toffees.
Allardyce signed Khazri for Sunderland back in January 2016, luring him from Bordeaux after an impressive spell in France, and the Tunisian played a key role in helping Sunderland avoid relegation.
The playmaker struggled without Allardyce at the helm last season though, as he was out of favour under David Moyes, before Simon Grayson allowed him to head out on loan to Rennes for the season.
Having featured for Sunderland in the Carabao Cup earlier this season, and now for Rennes in Ligue 1, Khazri cannot be registered with another club this term, meaning Everton have two options if Allardyce really is keen on a reunion.
Everton could attempt to sign Khazri in January, but he would only be available from next season onwards, meaning he would be sat on the sidelines for six months; a far from ideal situation for all.
Alternatively, and this may be the best method for Everton, Allardyce can continue to assess Khazri’s displays in France ahead of launching a summer bid, safe in the knowledge that they can overpower Rennes financially, Sunderland have little intention of keeping him, and Khazri should be open to a reunion with Allardyce.
Khazri has featured regularly as a striker for Rennes this season, and his form – scoring seven goals in 11 games for Rennes – suggests that he could still be a versatile attacking threat for Allardyce.
Everton fans may not be too enthused about a deal for Khazri, but with a January move illogical verging on impossible, a little more time to see how he fares for the rest of the season is just what the Toffees need before making their move for the Sunderland outcast.
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