According to O Jogo, Everton have joined Crystal Palace in the race to bring Zaidu Sanusi to the Premier League.
What’s the story?
Well, the 25-year-old scored the goal which won Porto the Primeira Liga title last season, but he could now be leaving the Portuguese giants.
After Tottenham made a move for the Nigeria international in January, Frank Lampard and Patrick Vieira are now fighting it out for his signature.
However, O Jogo believe they will have to pay €25m (£21m) for the privilege, with Porto keen to keep their No.12 in Portugal.
Brighton are also said to be interested in signing Zaidu, who made 40 appearances at left-back for Porto last season, while Fulham are monitoring the situation as well.
The defender has a contract with Porto until June 2025, hence why they are in a position to demand £21m for his services.
Zaidu would arrive in the Premier League with great experience, after winning ten caps for Nigeria, while also making 16 appearances in the Champions League.
Everton nor Crystal Palace need Zaidu
In our view, Lampard and Vieira would be mad to consider spending £21m on Zaidu.
Why? Well, both the Toffees and the Eagles already have standout options at left-back.
In Crystal Palace’s case, they have the impressive Tyrick Mitchell, who won his first England cap last season with some terrific performances.
Behind him, Vieira also has the impressive Tayo Adaramola, who made his first-team debut last season, while Jairo Riedewald can also play on the left of defence.
At Everton, £17m has only recently been spent to bring Vitaly Mykolenko to Goodison Park, following the departure of Lucas Digne, so it wouldn’t make sense to spend £21m on another option.
Clearly, both sides have no need for a new left-back, so that £21m fee can be spent on improving other areas.
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