Esmir Bajraktarevic in an Everton kit.
Esmir Bajraktarevic in an Everton kit.
Everton have been linked with a move to sign PSV winger Esmir Bajraktarevic, who featured in Bosnia and Herzegovina's 1-1 draw against Canada at the World Cup on Friday.
The Toffees are preparing for the opening of the summer transfer market, with multiple targets lined up.
Bajraktarevic is one of them, as he, among others, will be watched by the Blues at the World Cup.
Ideally, Everton would be able to make direct contact with players who are playing for their countries at this year's competition in North America, but usual transfer negotiations may be a bit more difficult to conduct.
The right-wing spot will be an interesting one to watch for David Moyes' side this summer, as contract talks with Iliman Ndiaye continue to fail to reach an agreement.
However, Everton have scouted Bajraktarevic and have made their transfer intentions to PSV known, before watching him play at this year's World Cup.
Everton should steer clear of Esmir Bajraktarevic
Everton reportedly submitted a bid to sign Bajraktarevic ahead of the summer window opening, but no developments since suggest that nothing has progressed.
It's likely that PSV will be waiting to see how the 21-year-old performs with Bosnia at the World Cup, in hopes he can boost his transfer value up further.
However, if anyone connected to the Toffees watched Bosnia's draw with Canada, they will have seen how poor the youngster was.
Bajraktarevic played 74 minutes, made just seven out of his attempted 15 passes, and didn't create a single shooting opportunity for himself or teammates.
A 20 per cent dribbling accuracy says it all, as Everton should stay clear of a chase for his signature this summer.
It always seemed bizarre as to why the Blues were in for him anyway, especially with Tyler Dibling already of a similar profile to him.
Who could Everton sign instead?
Thankfully for Everton, they have done their homework on who else they could sign at right wing.
One player the Blues have been linked with is Othmane Maamma for Watford.
The Moroccan talent has been on fire in the Championship for the Hornets, despite his side's regression on and off the field.
Another player Everton have been credited with interest for is Como's Assane Diao, who is worth around £40million.
Everton have many options, but Bajraktarevic should be off their list now.