Report: Everton monitor 19y/o West Brom defender Kevin Joshua
Everton are among a clutch of Premier League clubs monitoring highly-rated West Brom defender Kevin Joshua, according to All Nigeria Soccer.
The online outlet claims the Blues are battling Leicester City, Southampton and Crystal Palace for the 19-year-old who only joined the Midlands side in March, after initially arriving on trial from Solihull United.
Director of football Marcel Brands might have to usher a bid along with the Baggies, managed by ex-Blues boss Sam Allardyce, keen to offer him improved terms to keep him at The Hawthorns.
Joshua is yet to make his debut under Big Sam, instead being used in their youth sides, and it is the Under-23s he has made an impression for despite the side sitting rock-bottom of the PL2.
Everton, alongside their other Premier League rivals, are said to have received ‘glowing reports’ from their scouts.
U23s revamp
It could be a big summer at Finch Farm with Brands keen to shake-up the youth squads.
In particular he wants to lower the average age of the Under-23s squad [The Athletic] which means shipping out a number of players.
But while the squad is set to be supplemented by those impressing in the Under-18s, Brands will be aware that he has to add even more quality to keep David Unsworth’s side on their toes.
Joshua could be an exciting move, with All Nigeria Soccer mentioning his comparisons to RB Leipzig defender Ibrahima Konate due to their similar playing style.
The 21-year-old French defender is set to move to our Merseyside rivals Liverpool for £30.5million this summer [Guardian], and he has been called a “potential world-beater” by former Leipzig supremo Ralf Rangnick. [The Athletic]
That’s big praise so Joshua’s comparisons to someone who played six Champions League matches this season sounds promising, and it could be a smart move by Brands to bring him in.
In other Everton news, Exclusive: Keith Hackett calls for big PGMOL change after ‘Nonsense’ Blues flashpoint.
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