Everton join race for highly-rated Manchester City youngster Gavin Bazunu
Everton have joined a host of Championship and Premier League clubs in registering interest in Manchester City goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu, according to the Irish Independent.
Bazunu has enjoyed a remarkable season on loan at Portsmouth in League One, where he won multiple player of the season awards.
As reported by the Times Sport, on Sunday [8 May] it was revealed Bazunu had informed City of his desire to play regular first-team football next season.
According to the Irish Independent, the Toffees have been watching Bazunu regularly during the League One season and are interested in the Ireland international.
The 20-year-old could be allowed to leave the Etihad on loan again or on a permanent deal with City installing a buy-back agreement.
Top talent
Bazunu has enjoyed a stellar season at Fratton Park which has seen him draw plaudits from all over English football.
Bazunu currently occupies Ireland’s number one shirt ahead of Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher.
Last year he saved a Cristiano Ronaldo penalty last year in Ireland’s fixture with Portugal.
Ireland’s number one would be a smart addition for Frank Lampard at Everton.
The 20-year-old could be an excellent long-term replacement for Jordan Pickford.
It was reported by talkSPORT last week [5 May] that Everton were keen to cash in on the England number one.
If Pickford was to depart, then a permanent move for Bazunu would seem more likely.
However, with City likely to install a buy-back clause into any permanent deal, it could backfire on the Toffees if Bazunu continued his excellent progression.
Having just turned 20, Bazunu will almost certainly be a regular at a Premier League club in the coming years.
What is crucial is that he continues to play regular first team football at Championship level at the very least.
In other Everton news, an American broadcaster filled three minutes of airtime with footage of Evertonians at Leicester.
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