Everton must exercise caution as transfer lined up for Sorba Thomas

Everton are one of several clubs said to be keeping tabs on Stoke City's Sorba Thomas.

With European football still in sight, and a crucial Hill Dickinson encounter with Man City up next, the Toffees will be fixated on that.

However, as always at this time of the year, plans will already be in place ahead of the summer transfer window, covering all scenarios.

Several players have already been linked with a move to Merseyside, while a whole host have been mooted for exits.

But the latest reports are in regard to Everton's potential move for Thomas, which would be a deal that comes with several risks.

Sorba Thomas is not Everton's typical signing

The Toffees, more often than not, have showcased plenty of ambition with their transfer business, and reverting back to signing Championship players would go against that.

Thomas has had an excellent season for Stoke, having scored 10 goals and registered 11 assists, but his performances in past seasons should not be overlooked.

Only once in the previous four seasons had Thomas managed more than six goal involvements, while also having struggled massively when playing in Ligue 1.

And at 27 years old, that is a level of consistency that should be of concern.

Stoke will almost certainly want a handsome fee for Thomas should he leave this summer, and Everton would be foolish to pursue it.

Iliman Ndiaye was an anomaly for Everton

There are many parallels between Iliman Ndiaye and Thomas, with their career path the most blatant one.

Both had thrived in the Championship, struggled on their big move to France before returning to England and hit the best form of their career.

But the difference is their age, with Nndiaye several years younger than Thomas at the time of his move to Everton.

Ndiaye had room to grow, which would not be the case with Thomas this summer.