Despite Everton having Andre Gomes, Jean Philippe-Gbamin, Fabian Delph, Morgan Schneiderlin, Tom Davies and Gylfi Sigurdsson in midfield, the Toffees are still in the market for another addition to the engine room.
They’ve been linked with Napoli midfielder Allan throughout the season – a 29-year-old who may cost in excess of £36m. But there’s reason to believe Everton are turning their attention onto a younger alternative.
Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn has popped up on Everton’s radar – a player who provides more of a box-to-box threat than Allan and is four years his junior. Previous reports suggest he could cost around £50m, however, which would make him Everton’s most expensive signing, but that’s not to say he isn’t worth it.
As per WhoScored, McGinn has made 18 Premier League appearances this season, scoring three goals, making two assists, whipping in 49 crosses with 22% accuracy, completing 82.1% of his 521 passes and creating 27 chances.
He’s won 11 aerial duels (32%), won 40 freekicks, made 42 successful dribbles (70%), had 38 shots with 39% accuracy, blocked 19 shots/passes/crosses, made 13 clearances, gave away 24 fouls and averaged a tackle (45) or interception (16) every 25 minutes.
He fits the criteria of an Everton signing under Marcel Brands much more than Allan. As per Transfermarkt, the Toffees have permanently signed only two outfield players over the age of 26 in the last four transfer windows – Fabian Delph and Bernard.
The aim is to lower the average age by replacing the deadwood with younger equivalents while targeting hot prospects in the transfer market rather than experienced players with advancing ages. Signing Allan would go against Everton’s transfer policy, but McGinn would be perfectly in line.