According to L’Equipe, Paris Saint-Germain are interested in signing Everton midfielder Idrissa Gueye, and the Toffees should target Kevin Strootman to replace him if the French giants get their way.
What’s the situation?
L’Equipe report that PSG are looking to add a defensive midfielder to their squad in the winter transfer window, and if they target Gueye it would be difficult for the Senegalese international to turn down the chance to play in the Champions League.
The 29-year-old joined Everton from Aston Villa in the summer of 2016 and despite the frequent turnover of managers at Goodison, Gueye has remained a constant in the side.
His ability to break up play is crucial for new boss Marco Silva, as was demonstrated when he was out with an injury before Christmas and the Toffees were thrashed 3-1 by Manchester City and then 6-2 by Tottenham in the space of a week.
If the Merseysiders did lose Gueye then, a strong replacement would need to be lined up to appease the fans.
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Dutch connection
One player who could certainly fill the void is Dutchman Kevin Strootman. The 28-year-old only joined Marseille during the summer transfer window but a big offer with money from any Gueye deal would surely tempt the French side to sell.
Strootman is adept in the defensive midfield role that would be left vacant. In fact, in 12 appearances in Ligue 1 this season so far he has completed 3.5 tackles per game, only slightly less than Gueye’s impressive average of 4.2 tackles per game in 16 Premier League appearances.
Everton may also have an advantage in persuading Strootman to join the club in the form of Dutch director of football Marcel Brands, who could convince his compatriot to make the move to the Premier League.
So, Everton fans, would you like to see the club target Strootman in January? Have your say by voting in the poll below.