Everton in race to sign influential Derby midfielder Knight
Rafael Benitez’s Everton are one of a host of Premier League clubs hoping to sign Derby County midfielder Jason Knight in January, according to Football League World.
The 20-year-old has 18 months left on his contract at Pride Park and despite being a key player for Wayne Rooney’s side, may have to be sold to help the Rams’ dire financial situation.
The Toffees are joined by Wolves, Crystal Palace, Leicester, Leeds, Burnley, and Newcastle in the race to sign the Republic of Ireland international, who’s almost at 100 appearances for Derby, which is described as an “incredible achievement for the young attacker”.
The Rooney Factor
The financial aspect of the transfer shouldn’t be an issue for any of the sides courting the 20-year-old with Derby ready to accept cut-price bids in their debt-ridden position.
Where Everton could come unstuck compared to teams such as Newcastle is when wages are brought into the equation.
The Magpies’ new hundred-billionaire owners can offer way more than anything Everton would be able to table so they will have to hope another factor can sway Knight to Merseyside.
And that could just be Wayne Rooney. The former Everton favourite is Knight’s boss at Derby and his influence on the Irishman could play a huge part in Knight choosing the Toffees over the rest.
There is also a chance that Rooney takes the helm at Goodison Park if Benitez were to leave given the unbelievable job the 36-year-old is doing at Pride Park.
An attacking midfielder has been high on the Everton agenda this transfer window with Philippe Coutinho one of many number 10s linked with the club.
Knight may only have two goals to his name this season, but he is still integral to Derby’s game and his all-round performances warrant a move higher up the league pyramid.
In other Everton news, they will be required to pay eight figures for this Championship star.