Everton ask to take Kamaldeen Sulemana on loan in January transfer window
Everton have made contact to ask about taking Rennes winger Kamaldeen Sulemana on an initial loan deal in the January transfer window, according to the Daily Mail.
Frank Lampard is looking to bolster his paper-thin attacking reserves this January window after seeing his side score just 15 goals from their opening 19 Premier League fixtures.
The 20-year-old has struggled with an ankle injury this season, which has limited him to just 60 minutes at the 2022 World Cup with Ghana, despite his value sitting at around £40million.
The Daily Mail believes that despite still needing to offload players from their wage bill, the Toffees are interested in snapping up the young attacker on a loan deal.
The report said: “Everton have asked Rennes about taking their winger Kamaldeen Sulemana on an initial loan as Frank Lampard is keen on reinforcing his attacking line.
“The 20-year-old Ghana international was on Newcastle’s list but his £40million price tag put the Magpies off.
“Nevertheless, Sulemana is open to leaving Rennes during the January transfer window and could join Everton – who are currently fighting a relegation battle.”
Immediate impact?
Is Sulemana really the player to help fire Everton away from the clutches of Premier League relegation?
Despite being highly regarded in the French league, he simply hasn’t scored enough goals to justify a potential £40million fee – if that was required of Everton after the initial loan deal.
This season, the Ghanaian has scored just one goal from 13 appearances, while last season, he netted four times and created two goals from 20 appearances.
Lampard is in a relegation dogfight right now, and what he needs is a proven goalscorer to win his side’s matches. Unfortunately, this is not Sulemana.
Despite undoubtedly being a bright prospect, now is not the place and time for the Toffees to swoop for the 20-year-old, even if it is an initial loan deal.
There will be better cheap options out there that Lampard must unearth, including the likes of Michail Antonio, who West Ham are open to offers for this January. [talkSPORT, 16 January]