Mainz defender Moussa Niakhate would be perfect for Everton
Everton must not miss out on Moussa Niakhate in the summer transfer window.
According to The Telegraph, three Premier League clubs including the Toffees are chasing the Mainz defender.
West Ham and Newcastle are also interested in the centre-back who will have just one more year on his contract with the Bundesliga club come the summer.
The German club would be tempted to cash in, while Mainz are likely to ask for just £8million to let him leave the club.
At this price, Everton won’t get a better-quality player, and they should do everything to secure his signature.
The defence is one area that needs a complete shake-up in the summer, and Lampard must make bold decisions over recruitment.
Yerry Mina is a top-quality defender but he hardly remains fit. Likewise, Michael Keane has proved to be one of the inconsistent players in the side.
If the Toffees are to rise from the massive fall from grace, they need to get rid of bang average players and bring in new faces.
West Ham can offer European football, while Newcastle can offer him a big wage package, but the Toffees can provide him with the opportunity not to play regularly but to be a leader at the back.
In terms of style, he is a left-footed centre-back, which is a huge gift. He is an excellent passer of the ball, and has a great presence of mind. More than tackles (1.3 on average) he relies on anticipation (1.9 interceptions), according to Who Scored.
At 26, he is about to enter his peak years, and Everton must snap him up ahead of other rivals.