Everton eyeing a move for £20m rated defender: A smart move by Allardyce?

Transfer story

Sam Allardyce seems to have brought into use all of his managerial experience over the years to Everton. Big Sam, as he is fondly called, has built a strong defensive shape in a matter of weeks as Everton have picked up points against Arsenal, Liverpool, and Chelsea, something that was unthinkable under Ronald Koeman.

However, the manager wants some defensive reinforcements come January. Everton spent heavily in the summer but funds shouldn’t be an issue. In a bid to add more strength to their defence, Everton have been linked with a move for James Tomkins according to reports.

Allardyce is keen to reunite with his former central defender from West Ham but it could cost him a bit of money. Crystal Palace have made their way out of the relegation zone and Tomkins has played a crucial role, starting six of the last seven games.

Player profile

James Tomkins is a strong and sort of an old-school centre-half. He has made an impressive 2.3 interceptions per game this season and averages around 35.3 passes from every match. Of course, he has played under managers who like the good ol’ route one style, so he can go direct when the situation demands it. Tomkins makes approximately three long passes during his entire stay on the pitch in a game.

His keenness to win tackles is what makes him a good defender inside the box. Tomkins has made 2.3 tackles in each game and that certainly demonstrates his dominance inside the box.

Overall, Tomkins is a pretty decent player and Allardyce is not wrong in considering a bid for him.

Deal or no deal?

Tomkins could be used as a substitute for Ashley Williams. Williams has featured consistently for Everton until midseason but that might change soon.

Williams has made a few errors and the team is vulnerable to counter attacks owing to his lack of pace.

Tomkins is at the peak of his powers at the age of 28 and now is perhaps the right time to move to a bigger club. A potential partnership with Michael Keane could pay rich dividends too.

Roy Hodgson will not accept anything less than 20 million pounds for the defender. Allardyce will have to budge after all. Teams are wary of Everton’s financial power and will try to squeeze more from the Toffees. Even more so, considering transfer fees are often bloated in January.