Big changes are on the horizon at Everton.
It’s been reported that the proposed takeover of Everton by the Friedkin Group is set to complete next week, just in time for the January transfer window.
It remains to be seen if there’ll be a managerial change as a result, with it being reported previously that the Friedkin Group may want to replace Sean Dyche.
A number of names have been linked as replacements, including Sergio Conceicao, although he’s said to be leaning towards West Ham United at the moment.
This week, Dan Ashworth left Manchester United after just a few months in charge.
It’s already been reported that Ashworth could replace Kevin Thelwell at Goodison Park and that would certainly be an interesting appointment.
Before he went to Old Trafford, Ashworth was at Newcastle where he did some fantastic deals as their sporting director.
If he did become Everton’s new sporting director, then here are a few Magpies players he may look to target.
Matt Targett
Matt Targett during the Newcastle United Training Session at the Newcastle United Training Centre on October 03, 2024 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Vitalii Mykolenko has been described as a ‘weak link’ for Everton this season and it’s possible a new left-back could be targeted next month.
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With that said, Ashworth may try and facilitate a deal to bring Matt Targett to Goodison Park if he becomes the new sporting director.
Targett joined Newcastle in the summer of 2022 and has made 42 appearances for the club to date. He’ll be out of contract in the summer of 2026 so Newcastle may well be open to offers for him in January.
As he’s not a regular for them, he would certainly not break the bank and potentially solidly that left side a little.
Miguel Almiron
Everton might be in the market for a new winger in January and Miguel Almiron could be someone of interest to Ashworth.
Almiron has managed to make just eight appearances across all competitions so far this season and is not a regular starter for Eddie Howe.
Like Targett, his contract expires in the summer of 2026 and so, Newcastle may be looking to invite offers for the Paraguay international.
We’ve seen Almiron – who Newcastle signed for £20 million – have a few purple patches during his time in English football, and his potential to score goals might encourage Everton to make an approach in January, especially if Ashworth joins the club.
Lloyd Kelly
A new centre-back could be on the agenda for Everton in January, with Michael Keane set to hold pre-contract talks with other clubs about a free transfer next summer.
Speculation persists over the future of Jarrad Branthwaite, and Dyche seemingly doesn’t trust summer signing from Lyon Jake O’Brien.
So Everton might fancy a new central defender and if Ashworth is calling the transfer shots at Goodison and fancies reading Newcastle, then Lloyd Kelly might be of interest.
Kelly only joined Newcastle in the summer but has struggled for regular minutes at the club. He’s made just 10 appearances for a total of 477 minutes on the pitch, and is behind the likes of Fabian Schar and Dan Burn in the pecking order. And Sven Botman when he’s fit.
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