‘Likely to be sold’ – Journalist issues Everton exit verdict to make space for PL signing

According to Paul Brown, a current Everton midfield player is probably going to leave the team this month as they look to find a replacement.

Frank Onyeka of Brentford is “definitely” on the list of midfielders the Toffees are trying to add, according to the Josimar

journalist who spoke with GiveMeSport on January 20.

However, Brown says that the lack of a transfer budget must indicate that the team is trying to free up space by trying to let

go of an existing player before the deadline.

That suggests that one of their current midfielders is likely to be sold or that at least they are looking to sell this month.

“I don’t think Everton’s financial position currently makes it possible for the club to do any transfer business for a

substantial fee unless someone is sold.

“So I think you can draw your own conclusions from the fact that there are several midfielders who have been linked to the

club and there are agents out there who clearly think that Everton are trying to sign one.

Onyeka I’m sure is on the list.

“But any deals that get done this month will have to be ones in the bargain basement unless they are able to sell a big asset.

So I think it’s a case of watch this space.”

Sean Dyche’s midfield looks pretty strong when everyone is available so if Everton are trying to add in the middle it might

mean they are worried about losing Amadou Onana.

The Belgian international has transfer interest from the likes of Arsenal, Barcelona, Newcastle and Manchester United, and would command a major fee.

It seems highly unlikely that the Toffees could source a replacement of comparable quality during the January transfer

window, suggesting the pursuit of Onyeka is to avoid being left short rather than to upgrade.

Similarly, the transfer interest from Saudi Arabia in Abdoulaye Doucouré doesn’t speak to a deal that should be done if it can

be avoided because he is so key to Dyche and at 31 isn’t going to bring in enough money to make it worthwhile.

That would leave James Garner, who it would be surprising if Everton were willing to part with, and Idrissa Gana Gueye,

who it wouldn’t necessarily, but at 34 and with six months left on his contract isn’t going to generate any funds to sign a replacement.

Nigerian international Onyeka, 26, would be a solid heir to Gueye with Premier League experience,

but logistically it seems like the only valid way the club could sign him this month is if their star man Onana were to leave,

which certainly wouldn’t seem like a positive development.