Everton could be in for a busy summer of transfer activity with Carlo Ancelotti revealing that the club’s finances were in a position to make them competitive in the market.
Could a new central midfielder be on the list of priorities? Quite possibly.
According to Sport Bild, the Toffees appear keen on Schalke midfielder Weston McKennie and the Bundesliga outfit’s sporting director Jochen Schneider has admitted that he could be free to leave for just €25m (£22.5m).
Would McKennie be an upgrade to Ancelotti's midfield?
Absolutely!
No way!
It’s also been suggested that the USA international is rather interested in a move to the Premier League – following the lead of his good friend Christian Pulisic, which surely bolsters the Evertonian’s chances of clinching him.
Arguably, Ancelotti’s weakest position right now is the central midfield position. Tom Davies doesn’t look up to scratch for the three-time UCL winner whilst there are also question marks over club-record buy Gylfi Sigurdsson, especially with his ability to play in a 4-4-2 system.
It really just leaves Andre Gomes as the only solid first-choice.
McKennie would be an interesting option next to him considering he’s versatile enough to play defensive midfield as well as in central defence.
The 21-year-old has received bundles of praise in recent times too. His Schalke boss, formerly at Huddersfield, David Wagner said: “He’s an outstanding talent. In the No.6 or No.8 position he has the mentality, a real working mentality that you need. And he’s brave on the ball as well. He can be one of the best midfielders in the Bundesliga.”
Whilst USMNT head coach Gregg Berhalter described the powerhouse as a “unique individual” who has “shown how versatile he can be at the top level.”
Bundesliga.com have even likened him to Arturo Vidal as his playing style bears similarities. They go on to call the midfielder a ‘true midfield warrior’.
A move for McKennie is certainly an interesting prospect to consider going into next season.