Everton are preparing to table a January offer for an “incredible” full-back, with the individual in question seen as a top target for David Moyes and The Friedkin Group.
Ndiaye enjoying new role for Everton
The Blues have made a solid start to the season, even though things certainly haven’t been perfect, with Iliman Ndiaye continuing to shine for them.
Speaking last week about his new right-sided role for Everton, the Senegalese said he is enjoying it, even though it has taken some time for him to adjust to playing on the opposite flank.
“I’m still getting used to it and finding my best ways. The way I’m playing on the left is different from the way I’m playing on the right, but it’s good. I’ve scored two goals playing on the right, coming in at the back post and being alive in there. I feel like I can still do more – score more goals, create goals – but I’m still learning the role.
“It’s new to me because, generally, in the past, I’ve tended to play more off the left or down the middle. I’ve played on the right a few times but not as much. I’ve played on the right for Senegal recently, too.”
Ndiaye looks the part down the right-hand side, allowing Jack Grealish to flourish on the left, and now a right-back has been linked with a move to Everton, possibly linking up with the Senegal international in the near future.
Everton preparing offer for "incredible" full-back
According to a report from Spain, Everton are preparing an offer for Sevilla right-back Juanlu Sanchez, with a move potentially happening in the January transfer window.
The 22-year-old Olympic gold medal winner with Spain is considered a leading target for the Merseyside club, with his profile fitting the “physical and tactical demands of the Premier League.”
Juanlu could be perfect for Everton, coming in as a long-term acquisition who could offer something very different to Jake O’Brien in the right-back role.
The current Blues man is a centre-back by trade, and while he is doing impressively in an auxiliary position under Moyes, the Sevilla ace could bring more natural attacking quality there, having been hailed by former manager Garcia Pimienta for his potential.
“He has played as an inside midfielder [before], we were short on space in midfield due to Saul’s [Niguez] suspension and [Albert Sambi] Lokonga’s injury. I spoke to him, I knew he could do well in that position. Juanlu has an incredible present and a better future.”
The fact that a January transfer feels possible is an added boost for Everton, possibly giving Moyes more depth midway through the season.
In truth, there are few negatives to the Blues signing Juanlu, with his £17m price tag potentially looking like a bargain over time, and the Spaniard is even in the top 5% for assists per 90 minutes for full-backs over the past year.