Everton are set to target a defender this summer – and Chelsea’s Josh Acheampong has reportedly been on the Toffees’ radar.
David Moyes watched on with concern at the weekend as Jarrad Branthwaite left the field on a stretcher with a new hamstring injury.
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It was another reminder of how fragile he is. And with Michael Keane not guaranteed to stay, Everton’s need for a new centre-back this summer seems fairly clear.
So far there have been links to the likes of John Stones and Marcos Senesi.
But Everton are said to have been looking at Josh Acheampong, who has struggled for regular starts this season with Chelsea.
Everton have looked at Josh Acheampong
Josh Acheampong playing for Chelsea.
Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images
Sports Boom claim Everton and Crystal Palace have both been eyeing Josh Acheampong recently.
But the article does actually centre on him being a target for Coventry City, who have just secured promotion to the Premier League under Frank Lampard.
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He is apparently seen as ‘the perfect addition’ for the Sky Blues.
Everton and Palace have both been monitoring the teenager’s situation in west London closely, and are said to be interested in permanent deals.
However, it’s stated that both clubs are unlikely to pay the kind of money Chelsea would ask for.
But Everton could yet battle Lampard for Acheampong, who has impressive versatility which allows him to play in most positions across a backline.
This term, he’s played as both a right-back and a centre-back, and that is likely to appeal to David Moyes, with those two positions high on Everton’s agenda.
Tyrique George praised Josh Acheampong
Of course at the moment, Everton have a player on their books from Chelsea in the form of Tyrique George.
George joined Everton on loan in the mid-season transfer window and knows Acheampong very well, with both players joining Chelsea at U8 level.
Speaking about Acheampong in January 2025, George said: “Josh is a very funny guy and a top player.
Tyrique George and Josh Acheampong ahead of playing for Everton.
Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images
“We have known each other for eight years and Josh has always been a good friend, even since we were young. He is a good person to speak to away from football as well. We probably speak every day.”
George himself still has work to do to seal a move to Everton permanently.
And if he does that, perhaps he’d be in a good position to put in a good word to Acheampong about life with the Toffees.
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