Everton news: Shaun Maloney issues January transfer window Sam Tickle update
Shaun Maloney says there haven’t been any January transfer window enquiries for Everton-linked goalkeeper Sam Tickle.
The Wigan Athletic manager said, via Wigan Today (21 January), that he wants that to remain the case throughout the month for a player who he believes is the best in League One, and potentially even the Championship.
The Liverpool Echo reported on Christmas Day (25 December) that the Toffees have been following the 21-year-old’s progress, but it appears they not to have made any advances this month towards a deal for him.
Maloney said: “He’s just a brilliant shot-stopper, it’s incredible to think where he’s come from in the last eight or nine months or so. At the end of last season, he was playing in the reserves final in May.
“This is only my opinion, but I don’t think there’s a better goalkeeper in our league…I’m not sure there’s a better goalkeeper in the league above…he’s that good. He’s saved us a lot this season, but I still think there’s so much more to come from him.
“He can get even better with his feet, but shot-stopping…I haven’t seen too many as good as that, when he just produces outstanding moments like he does that win games.”
Asked if there had been any enquiries this month Maloney added: “No…and let’s hope it stays that way.”
Not priority
Given completely free rein in the transfer window, with none of the ongoing financial pressures surrounding Everton, then this sounds like a sensible pursuit.
A highly-rated youngster who is impressing in his first season as the regular number one would in theory be a good option to acquire as a third choice behind Jordan Pickford and Joao Virginia and likely loaning back out again.
But since the club aren’t thought to have anything to spend in January without departures from Goodison Park, and those at risk of leaving mostly too valuable to part with, it probably has to wait.
Sean Dyche appears to need to focus on a suitable upgrade if Arnaut Danjuma’s loan is set to end, with attacking midfield looking the obvious need behind the injured Abdoulaye Doucouré.
So a keeper who would surely not be in line for any involvement in the first team for some time, no matter how talented, is probably not going to be what the manager and Kevin Thelwell’s attention is going to be spent on this month.
For now Jordan Pickford doesn’t look like he is going anywhere from the line-up barring injury, and Virginia has kept two clean sheets from two FA Cup appearances, although Tickle may be one for the future unless a peripheral player like Ben Godfrey is sold in the next few days.
In other Everton news, a Goodison Park exit has collapsed despite a detailed deal being agreed.
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