Everton eye World Cup finalist as antidote to goal scoring woes, but FFP charge may scupper ambitious plan

Everton have reportedly joined a number of clubs in the race for France international Marcus Thuram, who will be available on a free transfer this summer. 

The 25-year-old, who starred in the World Cup final in Qatar, is out of contract at Borussia Monchengladbach at the end of the season and wants to pursue a fresh challenge elsewhere.

However, Everton are currently in turmoil after being charged with an alleged breach of the Premier League’s Financial Fair Play regulations, so their transfer business will be dependent on the outcome of an independent investigation, which is ongoing.

The Toffees’ problems on the pitch are almost as serious as their ones off it, though, with the Merseyside club in the midst of yet another relegation battle.

Scoring goals has proved to be the key issue, with Everton netting the joint-fewest of any Premier League side so far this term.

Their results have, admittedly, improved somewhat since Sean Dyche replaced Frank Lampard at the helm, but Everton still have a lot of work to do to ensure their survival.

Signing Thuram has the potential to be a great bit of business, but the Toffees will face competition from several Premier League rivals this summer.

READ MORE: Everton could face a points deduction after an alleged breach of the Premier League’s FFP rules

Everton join Thuram’s ‘lengthy list of suitors’

According to a report from 90Min, Everton have put Thuram at the top of their transfer wishlist, as Dyche looks to bolster his squad ahead of next season.

They write: “Aston Villa, Everton, Leicester and West Ham are all among Thuram’s lengthy list of suitors, with the Gladbach striker expecting plenty of offers this summer ahead of a probable exit from the Bundesliga.”

Since signing for Monchengladbach in 2019, the attacker has scored 43 goals in 128 appearances across all competitions, as well as making 26 assists, giving him an impressive average of 0.54 goal contributions per game.

Thuram’s solid displays earnt him a spot in France’s World Cup squad last year, when he made five appearances under Didier Deschamps, assisting two goals – including one in the final against Argentina.

This season, the Frenchman has continued his typically prolific form for Monchengladbach, netting 15 times in 26 appearances overall.

With that in mind, Thuram arguably has the quality to guide Everton back up the Premier League table.

However, as mentioned, after the Merseysiders were charged with an alleged breach of the Premier League’s Financial Fair Play rules, they may struggle to do any business at all.

If found guilty, Everton could face several different punishments, which include a hefty fine, squad cap, a wage cap, or even a point deduction, which could see them relegated to the Championship.

With an independent investigation ongoing, Evertonians now face an anxious wait to find out how serious the ramifications of the alleged breach will be.

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