Many Everton fans have been reacting on social media to reports by the Daily Star, claiming the Blues have joined the race for AFC Bournemouth’s in-demand playmaker David Brooks.
Everton, West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur are all believed to be interested in a summer move for Brooks following Bournemouth’s relegation from the Premier League.
The Cherries are keen to do everything possible to retain the Wales international despite needing to slash their wage bill with a summer clear out, which has already seen the south coast side accept a £41.5million bid from Manchester City for defender Nathan Ake.
Bournemouth are also open to offers for strikers Callum Wilson and Dominic Solanke, however see Brooks as being key to their hopes of making a swift return to the top-flight and intend to build their new Championship side around the 23-year-old.
As such, the Vitality Stadium natives have slapped a minimum £30m asking price on the 12-cap midfielder, whom they signed for £11.5m just two years ago, and hope the valuation is enough to deter any potential suitors sniffing around over the coming months.
Brooks is under contract until the summer of 2022 after penning new terms following his stand-out maiden season with Bournemouth, in which he scored seven goals and provided five assists over 30 Premier League appearances.
Ankle ligament damage sustained during a pre-season friendly with Brentford last year denied the Wales attacker the chance to improve his numbers as surgery sidelined him for seven months, after which the Sheffield United product returned to score once in nine top-flight outings.
Everton fans reacting to the Toffees’ interest in Brooks have shared a spate of messages calling for Director of Football Marcel Brands to bring the midfielder to Goodison Park, with some seeing the Bournemouth ace as a natural replacement for either Gylfi Sigurdsson through the middle or Theo Walcott on the wing.
Better than anyone we currently have
— Philip Clark (@pears76) August 2, 2020
Hope this is true
— Lee Davies (@Lee__Davies) August 2, 2020
Yes
— Sean Patrick (@hotsaucepoorboy) August 3, 2020
That’s a signing and a half for Everton. Can play anywhere behind Striker. Sigurdsson replacement but doesn’t make sense with Bernard and Iwobi
— DANNO (@DANNOJ1878) August 2, 2020
especially if they can offload Walcott and his salary
kills 3 birds with one stone – Brooks is a better player, will surely be on less wages and is 7 years younger
I make that a win, win, win
— Jez Clein (@JezClein) August 2, 2020
Not all Everton fans would support a move for Brooks this summer if Bournemouth remain steadfast in their valuation, though, as a few believe the 23-year-old would not be worth spending in excess of £30m on.
Can’t be expected to pay £30 mill, considering his injury run this season. Like him though https://t.co/z8Xw6C2IP7
— Macdoon (@MacdoonJnr) August 2, 2020
He’d probably cost too much but absolutely.
— StDomingoUSA (@domingo_usa) August 2, 2020
Other Everton supporters would also urge Brands against signing Brooks as they question where the Wales international would fit into Carlo Ancelotti’s plans on Merseyside, having predominantly favoured formations without an out-and-out attacking midfielder.
Ancelotti has also been linked with interest in Gremio winger Everton, whose potential arrival at Goodison Park could present the Walcott replacement some Toffees fans consider Brooks to be capable of being.
He’s another number 10, can’t see it without a few exits in that position. Also a position we don’t currently play.
— Kevin Little (@kevinlittle75) August 3, 2020
Not the player we need to move the club forward ok if we want stay mid table 😉
— David (@David42797784) August 2, 2020
I just want a right winger. Probably rather have sarr but brooks would a good back up option if we don’t get the guy we want (whoever that may be)
— Mark (@Mark_EvertonFC) August 2, 2020