Sean Dyche kickstarts Everton regime with incredible £45m offer to snare gifted Chelsea midfielder
Everton have quickly followed up the appointment of Sean Dyche by making a bid for a Chelsea midfielder with the funds they recently received by selling Anthony Gordon, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Dyche has been unveiled as Everton’s new manager, tasked with driving them away from the relegation zone, which they are currently stuck in. To do so, it might help to make the most of what remains of the January transfer window.
This time last year, Everton were backing a new boss, Frank Lampard, by signing players like Dele Alli and Donny van de Beek. Now, Dyche has immediately been backed in his own pursuit of a midfielder.
Romano has revealed that Everton have submitted a bid for Chelsea prospect Conor Gallagher. Its value is the same as what they have just received by selling Gordon to Newcastle.
Hence, just like that deal, a £40million transfer fee is on the table, with the promise of a potential further £5m in add-ons.
Everton are not Gallagher’s only admirers, so Chelsea are not making a decision straight away. Besides, the player himself will have to approve of the destination.
Joining Everton at this moment in time would mean Gallagher would be signing up for a relegation battle. Hence, there may be better options out there.
But he may need any kind of change of scenery after struggling for starts at Chelsea. They have reintegrated him this season after his loan spell with Crystal Palace last term. However, he has only started nine Premier League matches since his return to Stamford Bridge.
Gallagher was busier with Palace last season, which has led the Eagles to be linked with him again. There have also been suggestions of interest from Newcastle, who are about to lose Jonjo Shelvey from their own midfield. But now, Everton have made a strong move for Gallagher.
Conor Gallagher could get Everton opportunity
Their central midfield department currently consists of Amadou Onana, James Garner, Abdoulaye Doucoure, Tom Davies and Idrissa Gueye. Coincidentally, Onana has emerged onto Chelsea’s radar.
Gallagher could bring new energy to Everton’s engine room, though there may be some concerns about his end product. From 25 appearances for Chelsea this season, he has only provided one goal and one assist.
But his stats with Palace from last season might be a fairer representation of his abilities. With them, he played 39 times, scoring eight goals and adding five assists.
Good enough for a place in England’s World Cup squad but not to actually get on the pitch in Qatar, Gallagher now needs a platform to express himself better at club level.
His contract with Chelsea is due to last until 2025. While he has been willing to fight for his place, he might not have too much longer at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea have been working to modify their own midfield, preparing for the possible departures of N’Golo Kante and Jorginho. They are eager to bring in Enzo Fernandez from Benfica in a big-money deal, for example.
Amid all the changes, Gallagher could get left behind. Everton are trying to offer him a new opportunity as a result. They have until 11pm on Tuesday to complete a deal in time to have him immediately.
READ MORE: Sean Dyche to kickstart Everton relegation battle with signing of influential Southampton ace