talkSPORT journalist claims Vasquez prefers Spain stay over Everton switch
Everton appear to have been a dealt a blow in their pursuit of Real Madrid winger Lucas Vasquez, with talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook reporting that he prefers to stay in Spain.
The 29-year old is out of contract at the end of the season and has rejected a contract extension from Real Madrid, alerting a number of clubs to his situation this summer.
Deportes Cuatro first reported Everton’s interest in Vasquez last month, while El Gol Digital recently reported that Everton had emerged as the frontrunners for his signature.
Everton’s Director of Football Marcel Brands announced at an AGM back in January 2020 [Liverpool Echo] that the Blues were on the lookout for a long-term right-winger, but the club failed to find one in the following summer transfer window.
Now Vasquez has emerged as a potential target ahead of the upcoming transfer window, with the Toffees still needing to add more pace and width to their squad.
However talking to talkSPORT, Crook admitted that Vasquez would prefer a move either to another Spanish club or to Valencia in particular.
Silver lining
At 29-years old, Vasquez isn’t exactly the ideal age for Everton’s wide man target this summer.
On a free transfer, the Blues could certainly do much worse, but if the club are prepared to spend money on transfer fees and wages then they could find better options out there.
In that respect, there is a silver lining behind Vasquez’s desire to remain in La Liga, because it could allow Everton to explore alternative options in the market.
Everton’s interest in Vasquez also provides fans with an added bonus because it signifies the direction that the club plan on moving in.
By targeting players like Vasquez, a successful Spain international with Champions League experience, Everton are telling the rest of the Premier League that they are here to compete and not just make up the numbers.
Carlo Ancelotti made a major splash with signings like James Rodriguez and Allan last summer, and evidently, he’s keen to do the same this summer.
This could spell positive times ahead for the Toffees, assuming all goes to plan.
In other Everton news, the Toffees have every right to play hardball over the future of striker Moise Kean.