Everton’s midfield is in desperate need of an overhaul.
With Orel Mangala and Abdoulaye Doucoure leaving Everton at the end of their contracts, there is a pressing need to recruit at least two midfielders.
Everton manager David Moyes is eyeing Raphael Onyedika after his stellar season in Belgium with Club Brugge.
A £25m deal has been mooted, however, there is competition from David Moyes‘ former club West Ham United.
Merlin Rohl is also on Everton’s radar and now there has been a fresh development on his situation.
England under-21 international Merlin Rohl.
Photo by Andrzej Iwanczuk/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Stuttgart inform Everton of Merlin Rohl’s £17m price tag
Merlin Rohl has been away with Germany’s under-21s at the European Championships, and he’s greatly impressed.
In fact, the 22-year-old has helped his nation to the final, where they will meet Lee Carsley’s England at Slovakia’s national stadium.
With that said, German outlet Bild have just linked the in-form Rohl with a move to Everton, claiming that Moyes and his chiefs have been informed a £17m bid would be enough to strike an agreement.
MORE EVERTON STORIES
They claim Everton actually saw a bid rejected for Rohl during the winter transfer window, so clearly it’s a deal that already has Moyes’ seal of approval.
Rohl plays just like Abdoulaye Doucoure
Interestingly, according to FBref data, the most similar player to Rohl across Europe’s top five leagues is Doucoure.
Perhaps that is a factor as to why Moyes has decided to shortlist the 2002-born, who can operate as a number eight, 10 and off both flanks.
Rohl, who stands at 6ft 3, excels in the air as he ranks in the top seven per cent for aerial duels won per 90 across Europe.
Perhaps if the German youngster can add goals to his game, he could become somewhat of a Marouane Fellaini for the Scotsman.