Everton must hurry last-gasp Sam Tickle transfer amid fresh Preston North End January update
Everton supporters were told to expect a quiet January transfer window before the calendar had even flicked into 2024 and so far, there has been little to no movement at Goodison Park.
Barely anyone has headed in or out of the blue half of Merseyside, with a lack of funds, the impending takeover by 777 Partners and the threat of FFP all looming heavily over Sean Dyche’s side as they look to add some much-needed quality.
That doesn’t mean that there haven’t been plenty of players linked with a move to the Toffees, however, with Wigan goalkeeper Sam Tickle one name tipped to make the switch to Goodison this month.
Reports emerged from Alan Nixon (5 November) that the Toffees were in the race to sign the “next Jordan Pickford”, with Dyche reportedly sending spies to watch the League One stopper in action ahead of a potential January transfer, if Everton could raise the funds.
However, Nixon revealed on Sunday (28 January) that Preston North End are making checks on the stopper ahead of a last-minute January transfer, with Ryan Lowe’s scouts also consistently watching the Wigan goalkeeper in action this season.
They’re not alone in admiring the 21-year-old, with Birmingham City also placing him on their shortlist after being impressed by his breakthrough season under Shaun Maloney.
It is clear that the race to secure Tickle’s services is heating up and Everton cannot allow themselves to be caught in the cold, especially considering the calibre of side they’re up against in the hunt for his signature.
The Toffees may not be blessed with financial resources, but Dyche’s side has more spending power than either Preston or Birmingham City. It’s not like they’re even two of the richest clubs in the Championship.
With the signing of Tickle, Everton would likely have found their next number one for potentially more than a decade. The 21-year-old has impressed at League One level and over time would be able to step into Jordan Pickford’s boots between the posts.
But Everton have to make sure they get him now, as his price will only go up if he goes on to impress in the Championship.
The Toffees have the perfect time to strike in the January transfer window and they must find a way of getting this deal over the line before they are pipped to the post by a Championship outfit.
In other Everton news, The Esk has shared an update on the threat of administration at Goodison Park
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