Everton in last-ditch attempt to sign Juanlu Sanchez after Liverpool news
Everton made a last-ditch attempt to sign Sevilla defender Juanlu Sanchez before the winter transfer window closed, according to Diario de Sevilla.
The Spanish outlet reported [3 February] that the Toffees made a formal offer for the 21-year-old on the morning of transfer deadline day, with his recent performances catching the eye on Merseyside.
It is understood that the proposed deal was a loan, without a buy option, but Victor Orta rejected the approach, having also not even thought about the bid from Liverpool during the window.
Everton miss out on vital full-back signing before 11pm deadline
With Nathan Patterson yet to make his anticipated comeback from injury, and Seamus Coleman still sidelined, David Moyes has been using Jake O’Brien at right-back.
Although the 23-year-old has impressed out of position, it should not be seen as a long-term fix at Goodison Park when a natural right-back could have been signed during the window.
Of course, Ashley Young has been in fine form this season, but with just a handful of starts in the Premier League recently, it is clear that a young and exciting talent is wanted by the Toffees.
Sanchez, 21, has notched two goals and two assists in 17 La Liga appearances this season, with only eight of them coming from the start, showing just how influential he can be in the final third.
While he has not yet made his debut for the Spain national team, he has featured predominantly for the Under-21s and will likely be pushing for his first cap in the next couple of seasons.
There is no doubt that Sanchez would have made a good impact on Merseyside, given his first-team exploits with Sevilla in La Liga, with a number of Champions League games under his belt also.
With the likes of Liverpool also interested in his signature, it is a shame to see Moyes’ team unable to push through a deal before the transfer window slammed shut.
In other Everton news, the Toffees were offered a late deal to sign a Serie A attacker.
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