Everton desperately need midfield recruitment this summer, with a lack of options convincing David Moyes.
It seems like the only nailed-on player in the middle of the park currently in the squad is Idrissa Gana Gueye.
To Moyes’ relief, Gueye decided to stay, and the 35-year-old will surely be a nailed-on starter for the Premier League next season.
But what’s missing now is a partner next to Gueye, as the Scotsman switched between the likes of James Garner and Orel Mangala briefly.
Fans aren’t too convinced by Garner though, and the ambition is that a new player is needed, but Leeds United have thrown a spanner in the works for the perfect candidate to complement Gueye at Everton.
Photo by Sathiri Kelpa/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Photo by Sathiri Kelpa/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images
Leeds United lead Habib Diarra pursuit with Everton falling behind
With the Toffees trailing off at the end of last season, as unfortunate as it is, Moyes can’t rely on the same group of players.
This has led to The Friedkin Group shortlisting four ‘priority’ positions, with a central-midfielder being one.
It became clear that Habib Diarra became most suited for Everton to go alongside Gueye, as Diarra has been dubbed a ‘big talent’.
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Not only this, but the 21-year-old and Gueye both share the stage internationally, with there already a connection there.
However, Leeds have tabled a £22m offer for Diarra, which spells trouble for Moyes’ plans next season.
But this isn’t the be-all and end-all, as a new update from Strasbourg gives the Toffees a major lifeline.
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To have a partnership of both Gueye and Diarra would make for a very exciting duo.
Gueye would be the man doing the dirty work at the back with defensive challenges and winning duels, meanwhile Diarra can progress the play through his ball carrying and combination with the final third, making for the perfect pivot for Moyes.
How Gueye and Diarra could combine at Everton (based on 24/25 statistics)
Duels won (Gueye) 221
Chances created (Diarra) 27
Tackles won % (Gueye) 60.2%
Touches in opposition box (Diarra) 45
Interceptions (Gueye) 48
Fouls won per 90 (Diarra) 1.99
Well, even though Leeds have staked their claim and are most likely leading the race, all is not as it seems.
Express has been reporting on the Whites’ interest, but the outlet states that a deal is far from done, and Strasbourg have a plan up their sleeve.
Strasbourg’s ploy is to delay giving Leeds a response on their £22m bid for Diarra.
As frustrating as this is for Leeds, the Ligue 1 side are waiting to see if other clubs make a bigger bid, which opens the door for Everton to potentially trump the figure of their Premier League rivals.
Moyes could get his dream duo in the middle after all, and with an offer in the works from Everton, the hope is that it will eclipse Leeds’ number.