Everton target Harry Winks is “very keen” to sign for Frank Lampard’s side from Tottenham Hotspur this season, according to Paul Brown of the Daily Star.
The 26-year-old midfielder has been linked with a move to Goodison Park throughout the summer.
GiveMeSport Transfer Update
What’s the latest on Winks?
Due to Everton’s well reported financial struggles, the Merseyside club have had to find a way to cut costs this summer, with last season’s top goalscorer Richarlison moving to Spurs for a reported £60m.
These struggles could also lead to the potential departure of starlet Anthony Gordon, with Newcastle United reportedly interested in the winger with Everton demanding a £35m fee.
Lampard has been interested in bringing Winks to Goodison Park throughout the summer, but the financial aspect of the deal is what would likely be the stumbling block in bringing the ten-time England international to the club.
And Brown believes that the finances of the signing will be the major factor in the deal, with the player happy to make the move to Merseyside for a reported £25m fee.
What has Brown said about Winks?
He told GIVEMESPORT: “Winks is very keen to come and would have agreed to sign for Everton in a previous window.
“He seems to like the project there and would fit possibly quite well into Lampard’s system.
“But the two clubs are a way apart because for Everton, ideally in the same way they did with Dele Alli, spreading the cost into another financial year would be ideal for them, but Spurs want the money now.
“So, it’s whoever blinks first really on this one.”
Would Winks be a good signing for Everton this season?
Winks, who was described as being similar to “Xavi and Iniesta” by former boss Mauricio Pochettino, would be a useful addition for Lampard’s side, who flirted with relegation to the Championship last season, but it may be difficult for the club to get the deal over the line due to the current state of finances at the club.
The 26-year-old made 30 appearances for Spurs last season, scoring one goal and providing two assists, according to Transfermarkt.
Winks likes to get the ball forward from centre midfield, and this is shown as he ranked in the top 2% of midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues and European competition for progressive passes per 90 minutes last season (6.71), according to FBref.
And a SofaScore rating of 6.84 for his performances in the Premier League last season suggest that the £13.5m-rated man has been a solid if unspectacular performer when called upon for Spurs over the last campaign.
Having suffered a tumultuous campaign last season, the Everton faithful will be hoping that they can get some fresh faces through the door to push themselves into a better league position next season, and Winks would be a decent start to that process.