Everton News

Report: Everton suffer another transfer blow as Southampton make £8.5m move for centre-back

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Everton have conceded 30 goals in 20 Premier League games this season and are expected to sign a new central defender to tighten up the backline. The Toffees are also short of depth at the back (Michael Keane, Yerry Mina, Mason Holgate) and need more cover in case of injury.

Where do we need to strengthen in January?

Goalkeeper

Defence

Midfield

Attack

One player who has been on their radar is Mohammed Salisu, but latest reports suggest Everton could miss out on his signature. According to Gonzalo of Pucela Fichajes, Southampton made an £8.5m bid for the 20-year-old. Salisu has been a regular for Real Valladolid this season and is available for £10.2m.

The Ghanaian defender has made 18 Liga appearances in 2019/20, amassing 1556 minutes of playing time from a possible 1620. Salisu has conceded 21 goals and kept six clean sheets. He’d certainly improve Everton’s squad, but Southampton’s interest could prove a stumbling block.

Everton paid £25.7m to sign Keane from Burnley (2017) and £27m to sign Mina from Barcelona (2018), but only six Premier League clubs have a worse defensive record than the Toffees this season. Everton need another defender, but they’ll have to meet Salisu’s release clause to beat Southampton to his signature.

Read Crippy Cooke’s previous article

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Sports journalist who is an avid football fan, enjoys debunking transfer rumours, loves to write pieces about players out in the cold and takes a large amount of pride getting a predicted XI 100% correct.