Everton open to letting defender leave to Prem rivals as price tag is set

Everton are said to be willing to let Jonjoe Kenny leave the club on a permanent basis this month, with Burnley looking to acquire the right-back’s services.

The Clarets tried to sign Kenny on loan for the 2019/20 season, but German side Schalke beat them to the deal.

According to Football Insider, they are once again keen on Kenny and Everton will let him go permanently if their £7million asking price is met. Otherwise, another loan deal could be on the cards.

The 23-year-old gained valuable playing time during his spell abroad, starting 31 games in all competitions. Since returning to Merseyside, though, he has clocked up just four substitute appearances in the Premier League this season.

First choice right-back Seamus Coleman has been injured for roughly half of the current campaign. Despite this, Carlo Ancelotti has opted to deploy Mason Holgate and Alex Iwobi down that flank instead of Kenny.

Burnley are looking to bolster their defensive options following the recent takeover of the club. Manager Sean Dyche is a big fan of Kenny and wants to make him the Lancashire side’s first purchase of the new reign.

 

The defender came through the Toffees’ academy and spent time on loan at Wigan and Oxford during his youth career. He broke into the first team in the 2017/18 season and made 19 appearances in the Premier League.

His opportunities have grown more and more limited since then. He impressed in the Bundesliga last term, scoring twice and assisting three goals.

His hopes of establishing himself at his boyhood club have been scuppered though. Kenny has made just three starts, all of which have been in the EFL Cup.

Ancelotti has even altered formation to a 3-5-2 at times and played midfielder Iwobi out of position at wing-back.

Everton interested in Middlesbrough star

Djed Spence TEAMtalk

Meanwhile, Everton are keen to bring in Middlesbrough defender Djed Spence – whom TEAMtalk revealed as a target for the club in November.

Their interest in Spence remains, and Everton could try to sign the young full-back from the Championship side.

He could effectively be a replacement for Kenny, as both play on the right-hand side of defence. However, there has been no formal bid for the Boro starlet yet.

With Newcastle another contender for Spence, Everton may act soon if they are to win the race for the 20-year-old.

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