Everton and West Ham are reportedly battling for Steven N’Zonzi’s signature.
According to The Mirror, West Ham United want to hijack Everton’s intended January move for Sevilla midfielder Steven N’Zonzi.
N’Zonzi, 29, was a Premier League regular with Blackburn Rovers and Stoke City before heading to Spain with Sevilla in 2015, where he has played an important role.
The French international has won the Europa League title with Sevilla, whilst racking up over 100 appearances for the Andalusian side – but he has fallen out with manager Eduardo Berizzo this season, meaning a January move is on the cards.
The Mirror report that Everton boss Sam Allardyce is keen to sign N’Zonzi, but Premier League rivals West Ham United are attempting to hijack the deal, and intend to meet with the midfielder this week.
Whilst the Hammers could stand to add a player of N’Zonzi’s quality in the middle of the park, they may be fighting a losing battle when it comes to challenging Allardyce for his signature.
N’Zonzi may be to keen to reunite with Allardyce having worked with him in a key role at Blackburn Rovers, which may just give Everton the upper hand over West Ham.
Allardyce even attempted to explore whether N’Zonzi would be eligible for England in 2016, showing just how highly he rates the Frenchman, and that trust could come into play when N’Zonzi makes his decision.
Everton will still have to move quickly to make sure West Ham don’t get in there first, but if it came down to a straight fight between the club, the Toffees and Allardyce may just lead the way.
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