Everton
Premier League • England
Everton midfielder seen as the perfect replacement for wantaway French star
Everton midfielder Andre Gomes is on the wanted list of Italian outfit AS Roma who are ready to make a move before the summer transfer window opens.
According to reports in Italy Roma are keen to take advantage of Everton’s precarious position. The Blues are in danger of relegation and whatever happens, big changes are anticipated in the summer. AS Roma Live say the Giallorossi are keen to capitalise by taking Gomes to Serie A.
Roma are going well in Serie A this season and sit fifth on the table. Coached by Jose Mourinho they are keen to break into the top four in the seasons ahead.
Gomes tipped to replace Roma ace
It means Roma are also planning changes in the summer and Gomes is a target. Mourinho knows his fellow Portuguese well and sees him as the perfect fit for his squad.
Mourinho also believes Gomes is the ideal replacement for Jordan Veretout. The Frenchman has slipped down the pecking order and is likely to leave at the end of the season.
Gomes could be the man to fill his boots. The reports on Roma Live say contact will soon be made to see if Everton will do a deal.
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Most of the focus is on the battle to stay in the Premier League but plans still have to be put in place. Everything will depend on what happens between now and the end of the season. But Everton will have a contingency plan if the worst should happen.
Gomes could be on the move no matter what happens. The 28-year-old has been at Goodison since 2018 after arriving from Barcelona, initially on loan.
The deal became permanent the season after with Everton paying Barca £22m. He penned a five-year deal at the time and that contract will run until 2024.
Everton set for big changes
Whether he sees that contract out is another matter. If Everton do stay up there is a chance he could move on. Frank Lampard would no doubt look to make big changes and Gomes may not figure in his plans. Relegation could lead to a big cull with Gomes likely to be among it.
The reports coming from Italy suggest Roma would be willing to pay £16m. They want to discover if that is the kind of fee Everton would be willing to accept.
If not then Roma could switch to other names on their list of targets. Roma general manager Tiago Pinto is the man assigned to the job and Gomes is not the only target.
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