Liverpool are prepared to sell Mamadou Sakho so should Everton make a move?
There are likely to be some big changes in Everton’s defence this summer, with several arrivals and departures expected over the next two months.
According to the Daily Mail, the £25m deal taking Michael Keane to Goodison Park from Burnley is as good as done, while captain Phil Jagielka has been linked with an exit by talkSPORT.
Burnley’s Michael Keane celebrates scoring their first goal
With Ramiro Funes Mori having seemingly failed to truly impress manager Ronald Koeman as well and Mason Holgate and Matthew Pennington promising, but far from established youngsters, it seems as if Ashley Williams is the only centre-back with assurances over a starting place.
Therefore, should Koeman be in the market for another new face in his back line then perhaps an ambitious move to sign someone directly from rivals Liverpool would not be such a bad option.
That man is Mamadou Sakho, whom the Daily Star says is attracting interest from Stoke City but they are put off by the Reds’ £30m valuation of the France international.
The Toffees would be foolish to pay that amount as well, but if they could negotiate the price down then Sakho’s impressive performances for Crystal Palace while on loan in 2016/17 shows he still has plenty to offer in the Premier League.
Not only that, but along with Keane and Williams and Jordan Pickford in goal, the 27-year-old could help shape a new look defence in what is appearing to be a real summer of transition for Koeman and his side.
Middlesbrough’s Alvaro Negredo in action with Crystal Palace’s Mamadou Sakho
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
