Everton have had a fine return to the Premier League. The Toffees began with a brilliant draw against Liverpool before winning back-to-back games against Norwich and Leicester City over the last few days.
Carlo Ancelotti has been pretty adamant that European qualification is still the aim. Everton are just three points behind seventh-placed Sheffield United, and a good run until the end of the season could see them finish in one of those European places.
The Toffees will have to strengthen their squad irrespective of where they end up in the league this season. Defence is certainly their priority, but an addition in midfield will go a long way in helping them achieve their ambitions as well.
German outlet Bild have claimed that Everton are rivalling fellow Premier League side Newcastle United to sign Schalke’s highly-rated midfielder Weston McKennie.
The versatile American has made a big impression in the Bundesliga over the last two years and Schalke are reportedly ready to part ways with him for £22.5 million.
Everton could certainly do with a player like McKennie. The 21-year-old has played as a number eight, in defensive midfield, as a centre-half and even on the right flank.
His versatility is an added bonus for Everton who might have an advantage over Newcastle in their reported chase.
Kenney-McKennie swap?
Schalke’s director Jochen Schneider told Kicker yesterday that Everton had rejected their offer to sign Jonjoe Kenny on another season-long loan deal.
If Everton decide to be flexible on that issue, it could pave the way for McKennie to make the switch to Goodison Park this summer.
A few Everton fans noticed their club’s advantage and it seems like they don’t mind swapping Kenny for McKennie at the end of this season. Here is how a few of them reacted on Twitter:
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
