Everton now want to sign Frank Onyeka as £20m+ Brentford transfer news emerges
Everton are interested in signing Brentford midfielder Frank Onyeka this month to bolster their midfield, according to Ed Aarons.
The Guardian newspaper journalist shared on his personal Twitter account (11 January) that both the Toffees and Fulham are among the clubs interested in the Nigerian international midfielder who would cost more than £20m.
Onyeka only signed a new deal at the Gtech Community Stadium last summer and has become a key figure under Thomas Frank, making 16 Premier League appearances but the Bees have identified a replacement in Azzedine Ounahi should he leave.
Aarons posted: “Understand that Everton and Fulham are among the clubs who are interested in signing Brentford’s Frank Onyeka this month. The Nigeria midfielder signed a new contract in the summer and would cost more than £20m. Brentford could try to sign Morocco’s Azzedine Ounahi if he goes.”
Hefty
Everton’s need to bolster their midfield is understandable given Idrissa Gueye’s current absence at the African Cup of Nations, with James Garner, Andre Gomes and Amadou Onana their options in the role.
However, Onyeka will be representing Nigeria at the tournament this coming weekend which makes any move for him very baffling given he may not be available for another month.
The Brentford star has proven a very capable performer at the heart of the Bees midfield this season but hasn’t established himself as a guaranteed starter despite that and £20m for his services is hefty.
Everton just don’t have that kind of money right now given their financial pressures behind the scenes and the club’s impending takeover from 777 Partners.
Certainly, the midfield needs bolstering and Onyeka could prove a worthy candidate to do that but his huge price tag makes him one to avoid for the Toffees.
They need to look elsewhere for bargain transfers.
In other Everton news, the Toffees must move now for a multiple cup-winning player amid interest from elsewhere.