According to Sport1, Everton have joined West Ham in the race to sign Malick Thiaw, but Liverpool are also interested.
What’s the story?
Well, Everton are currently managerless, but they’re still looking to strengthen with Premier League survival far from guaranteed.
Sport1 believe the Toffees are keen to sign the 20-year-old, and he’s open to leaving Schalke 04 to take the next step in his career.
So far this season, Thiaw – who earns €1.3m-a-year (£1.1m, £21,153-a-week) – has played every minute for the German side, helping them sit fourth in Germany’s second division.
Unfortunately for Everton, talks between Schalke 04 and AC Milan are already underway, whereas Napoli are also interested.
Given the huge amount of uncertainty at Goodison Park, a move to Merseyside may not entice Thiaw at the moment.
In our view, a move to West Ham is more likely if the Germany Under-21 international decides to move to the Premier League.
With David Moyes at the helm, the east Londoners can offer Thiaw Europa League football, and potentially a place in next season’s Champions League.
Everton and West Ham battling for a gem
In our view, Thiaw could go on to achieve great things in football.
After all, Jürgen Klopp wanted him at Liverpool in 2020, and the Liverpool boss knows a talent from Germany when he sees one.
Interestingly, the 54-year-old is still interested in the centre-back (Sky Italia).
Klopp spent many years in German football with Mainz 05 and Borussia Dortmund, so he must know this market like the back of his hand.
If anything, the fact Klopp wants him at Anfield should be enough to encourage Everton and West Ham that they’re barking up the right tree.
In a few years, Thiaw could easily be worth millions, so the Premier League trio should get cracking now so they can beat the rush.
If he keeps playing the way he is, the Toffees and the Hammers will have more competitors than Liverpool to worry about.
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