‘Moyes talks to Rangers people’ to get Igamane deal done amid £13m update – Exclusive
This article includes exclusive comment from former Everton scout Bryan King.
Everton have thrust themselves into the race to sign Rangers star Hamza Igamane in recent days.
The Moroccan notched 16 goals in all competitions last term, and came off the bench for Gers in their win over Panathinaikos on Tuesday (22 July), despite the speculation surrounding his future.
Everton emerged as a potential suitor for Igamane, who has been hotly tipped with a move to Lille for several weeks now.
The 22-year-old had even personal terms agreed to join the French side, but now it seems as though a Premier League move could be on the cards for him instead.
Moyes to use his contacts to secure Igamane deal for Everton
Everton are understood to be readying an offensive to sign Igamane, as David Moyes aims to add to his attacking depth.
The 62-year-old has an unprecedented knowledge of Scottish football, and that could prove to be the difference as the Toffees prepare to enter battle to sign the youngster.
He could be available for as little as £13million this summer, although the Ibrox outfit are understandably reluctant to lose their emerging star.
However, ex-Goodison scout Bryan King – speaking exclusively to Goodison News – believes that Moyes will already have initiated contact over the possibility of signing Igamane, who he feels would be a shrewd addition for the Merseysiders.
“You see worse players that are being bought by other clubs for far greater sums of money than £13m,” King said.
“Moyes likes players that have already produced performances, especially in Scotland.
“He will know Igamane, he will have spoken to people in and around Rangers. For £13m, it’s not a bad investment, because he had a good season last year.”
Igamane could be worth the gamble for the Toffees
Everton should not be put off by Igamane’s relative lack of experience in European football, as he could turn out to be a sensible piece of business for them this summer.
The Moroccan is still a relatively raw talent, but he showed plenty of positive signs for Rangers last season that Moyes will be keen to help him improve upon if he does move to Merseyside.
There would be a fairly insignificant level of pressure on the youngster, given that Everton have likely already signed their first-choice striker in Thierno Barry, and that should allow him to take time to adapt to the Premier League.
Igamane is perhaps not the most glamorous signing that the Toffees could make this summer, but if they can get him through the door, then that £13m could look like a steal a few years down the line.
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