Everton are in the market for a central midfielder, with Idrissa Gana Gueye due to leave.
Idrissa Gueye is out of contract in the summer, and as it stands, there’s been no sign of a renewal.
As such, Everton seem to be drawing up a list of potential replacements, with Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney linked to the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
What is your prediction for this weekend’s Merseyside Derby? 🫣
Three points would be MASSIVE! 💪
James Tarkowski of Everton celebrates after his goal stands following a VAR review as Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah of Liverpool look dejected during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Liverpool FC.
Credit: Getty Images/Carl Recine
Southampton’s Shea Charles has also emerged as a target for the Toffees, as they’ve been scouting him in recent weeks.
With that said, we’ve revisited some comments from Southampton’s sporting director on Charles’ future at the club.
Wrexham AFC v Southampton - Sky Bet Championship
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Southampton confident they can keep Everton target Shea Charles
Speaking back in December, Southampton’s director of football Johannes Spors commented on Charles’ future.
Spors seemed pretty confident the Championship promotion hopefuls would be able to fend off any interest for their Northern Ireland international.
MORE EVERTON STORIES
“We are not in a rush with that because he has two more years (including one-year club option),” the Saints chief stated.
“I’m absolutely not against him signing a new contract earlier, though.”
You can only name one! Which one takes top spot for you? 🤩
James Tarkowski of Everton celebrates after his goal stands following a VAR review during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Liverpool FC at Goodison Park. Dominic Calvert Lewin of Everton celebrates scoring his side's second goal during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Liverpool FC at Goodison Park. Richarlison of Everton celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Everton at Anfield.
Credit: Getty Images/Alex Pantling/Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Phil Noble – Pool.
Southampton are in a decent position to retain Charles’ signature and their chances of keeping him will be significantly boosted if they gain promotion to the Premier League.
Tonda Eckert’s side have won six games on the bounce in the league and are in with a late shout of finishing in the automatic spots.
So, Everton may be forced to look elsewhere as they search for a potential Gueye successor this summer.
The Toffees are ‘strong admirers’ of West Ham United’s Mateus Fernandes, so he could be an option.
Although, that’d be a really difficult deal to pull off as well.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Everton content each week direct to your mailbox