TBR Football understand Everton are now working to sign Juanlu Sanchez from Sevilla.
The Toffees have already signed a player from La Liga this summer after taking Thierno Barry from Villarreal – paying £27m to bring the French striker to Merseyside.
David Moyes has also bolstered the left-back department with the signing of Adam Aznou from Bayern Munich, and TBR Football understand Everton are now looking to strengthen the other flank by adding Juanlu Sanchez to the squad.
Everton working hard to sign Juanlu Sanchez
Graeme Bailey – Chief Correspondent at TBR Football – has now been told that Everton are pushing to sign the Sevilla No.26 ahead of Wolves.
We understand Crystal Palace have also discussed a move for Sanchez – who can play on both the right of the attack and defence – while Nottingham Forest are interested too, but Everton are actively pursuing a deal.
Sevilla hope to receive at least €20m (£17m) for the Spaniard this summer, an asking price that has already scared off Napoli, according to TBR Football sources.
If a deal materialises for Everton, Sanchez could be joined by Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall on Merseyside.
The Toffees have made a bid to sign the 26-year-old from Chelsea, and he is open to leaving Stamford Bridge.
Juanlu Sanchez is statistically similar to Abdoulaye Doucoure
Everton – who are also close to tying Jordan Pickford down to a new deal – only recently released Abdoulaye Doucoure when his contract expired in June.
The Mali international was an influential figure at Goodison Park, making 166 appearances in total – scoring 21 goals and providing 14 assists – while playing a key role in helping Everton avoid relegation on several occasions.
Now, Sanchez could replace Doucoure – who said he wanted to stay at Everton.
Not only can the Spaniard play in central midfield as well as anywhere down the right flank, but he is also statistically similar to the 32-year-old as FBREF shows.
Sanchez finds himself in the 97th percentile for tackles per game (2.61) and the 96th percentile for interceptions (0.89) – also standing out when it comes to blocks, clearances and aerial duels.
FBREF add that the 21-year-old is also similar to John McGinn and Morgan Gibbs-White of Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest respectively.
Sanchez made 35 appearances in all competitions last season – with ten coming in central midfield and ten on the right of defence – scoring five goals and also providing five assists.