Everton transfer news: Paul Brown shares what he’s heard on move for Fulham ace Harrison Reed
Journalist Paul Brown says it is “strange” that Everton are possibly interested in signing Harrison Reed from Fulham in the January transfer window.
Having been linked with the 28-year-old during the summer, the Mail on Sunday reported on 31 December that the Toffees are again showing an interest.
Reed has plenty of Premier League experience, but Brown does not believe midfield is an area that particularly needs strengthening at Goodison Park.
“I’ve heard links between Everton and Reed before,” Brown told GiveMeSport [7 January]. “I do think he is a player that they really like.
“I can remember, not so long ago, Marco Silva talking him up as a potential England international. He was saying that he was very surprised he hadn’t been called up.
“I actually think that it is a strange one right now, in terms of timing, because Everton have got their midfield sorted out at the moment.
“I think the balance is quite good there, but someone like Reed would come in expecting to start every week. He might not get that opportunity in the way that Dyche likes to set up.”
Biggest sticking point
Everton do indeed have midfield options, but Amadou Onana continues to be linked with a move away, while injuries and suspensions are inevitable.
Reed has become accustomed to playing a back-up role from the substitutes’ bench for Fulham, and it is not known if he would be happy to do that elsewhere.
The former Southampton man has played more than 100 games at this level and has also been touted as a target for Wolves, so he is clearly doing something right.
Given Reed still has three-and-a-half years to run on his Craven Cottage contract, plus the option of an additional year, Fulham have no reason to sell him on the cheap.
That could prove to be the biggest sticking point if Everton are indeed interested, as they are not in a position to splash out on squad players.
Other areas are more in need of strengthening, and that is why it is best to leave this deal for now and perhaps re-explore it in the summer.
In other Everton news, the Toffees must move now for a multiple cup-winning player amid interest from elsewhere.