Everton are reportedly keen on Roma midfielder Kevin Strootman.
Roma’s Kevin Strootman celebrates
According to The Mirror, Everton are lining up a January move for Roma midfielder Kevin Strootman as manager Ronald Koeman looks for a long-term replacement for Gareth Barry.
Barry has enjoyed a strong start to the season alongside summer signing Idrissa Gueye, but at 35, the former England international won’t be around forever – and the Toffees may now line up potential successors.
Everton’s Gareth Barry applauds the fans as he is substituted
With questions over James McCarthy’s future at Goodison Park and little impact from Muhamed Besic since his 2014 move from Ferencvaros, manager Koeman may look to splash the cash – and reports suggest that he is targeting a big name addition.
The Mirror report that Roma midfielder Kevin Strootman is wanted by Koeman, having recovered from a series of injury blows over the last two and a half years.
Everton manager Ronald Koeman
Strootman, 26, was one of Europe’s top midfielders in 2014 having starred with Roma following a 2013 move from PSV Eindhoven in his native Netherlands, but a devastating knee injury in March 2014 saw him miss the 2014 World Cup, and only return in November that year.
After two injury-hit seasons which saw Strootman play just 18 games, the Dutch international is now back, and has hit two goals in 10 appearances so far this season.
Kevin Strootman in action for Roma against Sassuolo
His return to fitness and form appears to have caught the eye of Everton boss Koeman, who was looking at Strootman over the summer according to the Liverpool Echo.
Strootman, previously linked to Manchester United, would be a marquee signing for Everton, and whilst Koeman will be a big fan of his fellow Dutchman, the Toffees must be wary of spending too much on a player with such well-documented injury problems.
Would you like to see Everton splash out on Strootman?
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
