Goodison News View: Reported chase for utility man could be ideal for Everton
While there is undoubtedly some great quality in this Everton squad, there are a few positions that have been real problems this season.
Both Marco Silva and Carlo Ancelotti struggled to settle on an undisputed first choice right back, while central midfield has a distinct lack of depth at the moment.
You wonder if perhaps Jonjoe Kenny will return from his loan spell at Schalke next summer to claim the right back job, while the likes of Andre Gomes and Jean-Phillipe Gbamin will hopefully return to fitness and solidify the middle of the park.
However, what the team’s struggles in both positions tells us is that a utility man who can operate in both areas would be a god-send for Ancelotti.
Well, it appears that the club have identified just the player. Turkish outlet Fanatik reported on Wednesday that the Toffees are one of three English teams chasing a deal for Fenerbahce utility man Ozan Tufan.
The other teams in for the Turkey international are Southampton and Sunderland, two sides who the Blues should be able to beat in any transfer tug of war.
Tufan is a 24-year-old who is ostensibly a right back, but who has significant experience of moonlighting very successfully in central midfield as well.
It’s thought that it would cost around £16million to secure the Turk’s services, a not excessive price tag in today’s outrageous market.
Tufan has made 21 Super Lig appearances this term, split fairly evenly between stints at right back, right wing and central midfield.
Interestingly, he flourishes in both the offensive and defensive sides of the game. He averages 2.1 tackles, 1.2 interceptions and 1.1 clearances per contest this campaign.
Meanwhile, he’s managed three goals and four assists, while he averages two shots and 1.4 key passes per outing – hence the excellent average WhoScored rating of 7.16.
His versatility combined with the consistent quality of his game would make him an ideal signing for Ancelotti.
In other Everton news, a journalist has claimed that it would be no surprise to see one Toffees midfielder depart this summer.