Everton are now showing strong interest in hijacking Aston Villa and signing a “very valuable” Premier League star.
Toffees keen on signing new defender
The Toffees fell to a 1-0 home defeat against Manchester United on Monday night, which leaves them ninth in the Premier League table, but Jamie Carragher is surprised they are even in the top half, based on some of the performances this season.
Carragher said: “How David Moyes has got that squad of players in ninth position, I will never know. They’ve been on Monday Night Football six times and they very rarely impress me. They do OK, they get the job done.
“What Moyes has done since he’s come in about 12 months ago, maybe more, he’s done phenomenal. This is a team and a club that’s been fighting relegation the last few years.”
A solid defence has been the key to Moyes’ side’s success, having shipped just 31 Premier League goals, the fewest of any team outside the top five, but they remain keen on bringing in a new centre-back in the summer transfer window.
That is according to a report from Football Insider, which states Everton are now showing strong interest in hijacking Aston Villa’s move for AFC Bournemouth defender Marco Senesi, with Unai Emery’s side opening talks about a deal for the Argentinian last week.
Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United are also very keen on signing the Bournemouth star, who is set to be available on a free transfer when his contract expires at the end of the season, but Barcelona are currently in pole position in the race for his signature.
However, the La Liga side’s difficult financial situation may open the door for a move to the Premier League, and the 28-year-old could be a solid addition to Moyes’ defence…
“Very valuable” Senesi impressing at Bournemouth
In truth, given Everton’s excellent defensive record, bringing in a new striker should probably be the priority in the summer, with Thierno Barry and Beto flattering to deceive this season, netting just eight goals between them in the Premier League.
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The Toffees are making plans for the summer.
However, the two-time Argentina international could be an exciting signing regardless, having emerged as one of the Cherries’ key performers this season, averaging a FotMob match rating of 7.08 in the Premier League, which is the second-highest in the squad.
The 28-year-old has averaged 1.6 interceptions per 90 in the top flight, more than any other Bournemouth player, and he received high praise from manager Andoni Iraola earlier this season, who said: “On the ball, off the ball, he understands very well also the way we want to play and for us it’s very valuable. I don’t think it’s a big secret.”
Senesi’s availability on a free transfer makes him an even more attractive option, and Everton should definitely attempt to sign him this summer.