Everton are eyeing a number of players in the Championship this summer.
David Moyes has made no secret of his desire to recruit from the second tier going forward, and that mantra has already been reflected in Everton’s transfer links this month.
West Bromwich Albion’s Tom Fellows is on Moyes’ radar, whilst Ben Doak is another wide player on his shortlist after a successful loan spell at Middlesbrough.
Sunderland wonderkid Chris Rigg has been linked to Everton, however, that deal seems unlikely following their promotion.
There is another Championship player who has been heavily linked in recent weeks and Jordan Pickford could actually help to strike a deal.
Sheffield United playmaker Gustavo Hamer.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Jordan Pickford could help Everton sign Sheffield United playmaker Gustavo Hamer
Everton are exploring a deal to sign Gustavo Hamer this summer after his sensational season with Sheffield United.
Hamer registered 18 goal involvements with the Championship play-off finalists and was awarded the division’s Player of the Season Award.
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It’s understood Blades want around £20m to sanction his sale, so it’s a very feasible deal to do for the Toffees.
Pickford could actually be a real help in any forthcoming negotiations, because he shares the same agent as Hamer, CAA Stellar.
Perhaps the England goalkeeper can send him a few convincing messages to make the switch to Merseyside instead of the other interested club Leeds United.
Hamer’s impressive underlying data
Hamer, formerly of Coventry City, has really impressive underlying data, which bodes well for Everton.
According to FBref, the 28-year-old ranks in the top 11 per cent for progressive passes per 90 compared to his positional peers across Europe.
Hamer also sits in the top 13 per cent for expected assisted goals, so he’d bring real creativity to Moyes’ midfield.
But, perhaps most surprisingly of all, the Dutch playmaker actually ranks in the top 12 per cent for interceptions, evincing how hard he works defensively.
That’s a really good sign, as Moyes demands his flair players to conduct their defensive duties, too.