View: 777 Partners could sanction senior Everton exit in January as transfer news drops today
End may be nigh for Idrissa Gueye at Everton as Kalvin Phillips transfer news emerges amid 777 Partners takeover
Everton are likely to revisit the possibility of signing Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips in January should 777 Partners complete their takeover and that could lead to the sanctioned exit of Idrissa Gueye.
According to UK news outlet iNews (10 October), the Toffees could be interested in signing the former Leeds United midfielder in January, having attempted to lure the England international to Goodison Park during the summer.
The England international has considerably slipped down the pecking order under Pep Guardiola at the Etihad Stadium and may be allowed to leave in the winter window, with Everton reported interested parties.
However, whether or not Everton would be able to afford the 27-year-old could be dependent on whether not 777’s takeover has been approved.
A summer deadline day move was explored [iNews, 31 August] but financial constraints on the club at the time made it nearly impossible to complete, something that may change very soon with the impending 777 takeover at Goodison Park.
Bringing in a player of Phillips’ quality – even if he has struggled to get a look-in at City – would be a big coup for Everton and their new owners, especially considering the fact that Dyche has desperately needed a specialist and reliable defensive midfielder for a long while.
The former Burnley boss has had to make do with Gueye in the role and while he’s proven a steady option at times, there are holes in his game which indicate that he is rapidly on the decline at Goodison Park.
Whilst his tackling remains as efficient as ever, given averages 2.3 per game alongside a further 7.9 ball recoveries in the league, it is his unease in possession that makes him somewhat unreliable when starting.
Gueye loses possession seven times per game, and given the importance of his position, this is a figure all too high for which the transfer of Kalvin Phillips, even on a temporary deal could rectify considerably.
Certainly, Phillips hasn’t played much for City but that should take away from his undeniable qualities in his position, it is the reason he consistently gets picked by Gareth Southgate for England and so regularly excels despite his limited minutes at club level.
We all know Phillip’s incredible talents from defensive midfield, having shown it throughout his Leeds United career and for England at international level alongside Declan Rice.
The 27-year-old also provides a huge presence in front of the defence as well as his stark leadership qualities which could prove incredibly useful for Dyche and considerably increases the quality in his squad.
Whether or not Everton will be able to pull this move off, with the likes of West Ham United and Newcastle also in the frame, is another matter entirely but what is certain is, that the end is nigh for Gueye, especially under the impending new Goodison Park owners.
