Everton ready to sign Zakaria El Ouahdi after £5m transfer latest
Everton could now be in pole position to sign Zakaria El Ouahdi from Genk this winter.
El Ouahdi emerged as an Everton target before the January transfer market opened, but he is yet to complete a move.
There is plenty of interest in his signature right now, with Crystal Palace also chasing El Ouahdi at this stage of the window.
The signing of El Ouahdi could allow Jake O’Brien to start at centre-back, which could be a boost for the Toffees’ squad depth.
David Moyes may now be edging closer to El Ouahdi’s arrival on Merseyside, with a bid set to be accepted away from the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Everton to replace Nathan Patterson with Zakaria El Ouahdi
Nathan Patterson looks set to leave Everton at some point this month, despite featuring in the Premier League and FA Cup recently.
The Scotland international has long been a bit-part player in L4, with injury playing a key role in his frustrating spell with the Blues.
It looks as if that could come to an end in the coming days or weeks, with a move to Sevilla or Italy potentially on the cards.
Former Everton scout Bryan King has suggested to Goodison News that a deal in the region of £5million could be accepted for the right-back.
He said: “Any interested clubs like Sevilla have got to put their money where their mouths are.
“I’m sure if the right offer comes in, and I’m sure £5m or £6m would be more than enough for Everton to bite any club’s hand off.“
If that sort of bid were to come in from LaLiga or elsewhere, it could prove to be the perfect catalyst for El Ouahdi to agree a Merseyside switch.
Everton open door to sign El Ouahdi from Genk
The Toffees are in desperate need of squad depth in January, so signing an improved full-back option would certainly be wise.
The Morocco international would fit the mould under Moyes, off the back of an excellent season in the Belgian Pro League to this point.
El Ouahdi has contributed to 5 goals in just 14 league appearances, an undoubtedly excellent record for a defender.
Swapping Patterson out and bringing the Genk star in could prove to be a stellar piece of business if he hits the ground running in the Premier League.
Selling a fringe player and utilising the funds brought in for them to sign a direct replacement is the sort of business plan Everton need to utilise and benefit from more regularly.