The ESPN pundit backs Everton to sign Kevin Strootman.
Steve Nicol has told ESPN that he believes Everton will sign Roma midfielder Kevin Strootman in January.
It was reported by The Mirror last month that Everton boss Ronald Koeman wanted to bring the 26-year-old to Goodison Park in the winter.
But it is something of a risk for the Dutchman to sign his compatriot, given that his time in Italy has been decimated by separate cruciate knee ligament injuries.
At the moment, the Netherlands international is fit and has started nine games for Roma this season, but it remains to be seen if he can stay fit for the long term.
With Gareth Barry being 36, the Toffees are going to need to look to the future, and former Liverpool man Nicol believes that Strootman will be that man.
He told ESPN: “I think it is a little bit of a gamble, considering the real problems with his knee he’s had over the past 18 months.
“I think this is going to happen, though. I think he will go to Everton. I’m going to say this is a hit.”
The Dutchman will only have another 18 months to go on his contract come January. That, combined with his injury history, could see Everton capture him for a very decent price.
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