Peter Lynch

Wed 7 February 2024 19:10, UK

Everton have it all to do in the coming months as they look to distance themselves from the Premier League relegation zone.

Given all the issues the Toffees have faced on and off the pitch in recent times, bringing new players to the club is perhaps the last thing on their minds.

But if those issues can be dealt with, and more importantly if the Goodison Park outfit can survive the drop this season, an exciting summer may be on the cards.

It seems apparent that a handful of first-team stars will have to be moved on in the next transfer window in order to raise some much-needed funds.

Defensive ace Jarrad Branthwaite is one such player who could be forced out, as well as star striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

But perhaps Everton now have the perfect duo to replace them in the form of Rocky Bushiri and Karim Konate respectively.

In data released by Sky Sports and sports intelligence agency Twenty First Group (TFG), all players aged 24 or under at the current Africa Cup of Nations tournament have been matched with their most suitable Premier League club [Sky Sports, 7 February].

And based on playing style and profiles, Congo and Hibernian centre-back Bushiri and Ivory Coast and RB Salzburg striker Konate have been matched with the Toffees.

As per Sky Sports (7 February), the duo would “slot into Everton’s ranks perfectly,” with Bushiri valued at £700,000 and Konate valued at £27.9million.

The latter will, perhaps, be much too expensive for the Goodison Park club given their financial struggles, but the former may be an option in the summer transfer window.

The data added that 24-year-old Bushiri is an 89% suitability match for Sean Dyche’s side, with 19-year-old Konate an 88.4% match.

In other Everton news, a BBC pundit has mooted an exit for a Tottenham summer signing after what happened in the 2-2 draw with the Toffees.

For more Everton news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.