Everton have been named as one of two ‘obvious’ destinations for FC Barcelona back-up Jasper Cillessen, but not every Blues supporter shares Sport’s sentiment.
The Catalan daily sports newspaper believe West Ham United and we are the most natural endpoints for the 30-year-old, after a move to Valencia or Benfica was ruled out.
West Ham are interested in the former Ajax shot-stopper’s services as they feel he can add depth to their squad with Lukasz Fabianski only currently deputised by veteran fringe and youth players.
As for our interest, it is noted that we are keen to add a recognised number one to the ranks as there continues to be speculation regarding the future of Jordan Pickford, and we likewise would not have a suitable number one if the England regular were to move on.
Sport even feel we could play on the strong relationship we enjoy with Barcelona, having taken Yerry Mina and Lucas Digne off their hands last year, and are reportedly close to bringing Andre Gomes back to Merseyside on a permanent deal.
Manchester United are also allegedly interested in Cillessen, meanwhile, but Sport claim where the 48-cap Netherlands international ends up hinges entirely on who offers the goalkeeper the best offer, which the Red Devils would struggle to present if David de Gea is still at Old Trafford.
The current situation of Valencia’s number one Neto is the reason behind the Europa League Semi-Finalists having to pull out of the race, as they have so far been unable to move the Brazilian on.
As for Benfica, they refuse to pay the €20million-plus (£17.8m+) that the La Liga champions are demanding, having insisted on a maximum €12million (£10.6m).
In the recent campaign, Cillessen made 11 appearances across all competitions, in which he kept three clean sheets and conceded 13 goals – most notably keeping fifth-placed La Liga finishers Getafe at bay, but conceding twice to 12th-placed SD Eibar a week later.
Here’s how these Everton fans reacted when Sport suggested we were interested in Cillessen…
No, We’re really not!
— Ian Irvine (@irvine75) June 14, 2019
Y tho ????♂️
— Pidleypoo (@pidleypoo) June 14, 2019
Why? A good keeper but we have Pickford lossl steklenburg virginia?
— Matt Trott (@lumparovic) June 14, 2019
West ham signed 2 goalies and we not buying him so worst rumour ever
— Lloyd Roberts (@scousehouse06) June 14, 2019
it doesn’t make any sense
— idiota útil pra caralho (@rodmesccp) June 14, 2019
This isn’t true I don’t think.
— Wes (@WDR573) June 14, 2019
This is rubbish
— Duke Majors ???????? ❌ (@Darth_Rok) June 14, 2019
We don’t need him
— Thomas James™ (@tstevens1995) June 14, 2019