EVERTON SEND SCOUTS TO WATCH WEST ON JUVE STAR MCKENNIE

Everton have sent scouts to watch Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie ahead of a potential £20m transfer in January, according to Ben Jacobs. The Toffees greatly strengthened their central midfield position in the summer with the arrivals of Amadou Onana, James Garner and Idrissa Gueye while Andre Gomes left on loan. But Lampard is still keen on bolstering the side even further and the club have expressed an interest in the United States international, with Juventus open to a sale in January.

Everton were one of four Premier League clubs to send scouts to watch McKennie play for Juventus in Serie A, alongside Leeds United, Newcastle United and Arsenal. The player isn’t considering a transfer away before the World Cup, but Jacobs wrote on his personal Twitter account [24 October] that while nothing is advanced with any club yet he “could well move to England in January”.

Quality

There is great quality in the Everton squad right now, especially in midfield with the three players mentioned already plus a rejuvenated Alex Iwobi. But it’s hard to argue that the addition of McKennie wouldn’t be a quality signing, with Champions League and international experience, in a hugely important area of the pitch. Allan was let go and Tom Davies has been battling for starts too this season, but with his contract coming to an end soon there could be a spot opening up.

Most fans would argue that if £20m was going to be spent in January though it should be on a striker, with goals proving an issue so far this season despite Dominic Calvert-Lewin finally returning to fitness in recent weeks. January should be a good time for the club to continue to build on the progress made this season, and a player like McKennie coming in would be a big statement.