Having appointed Marco Silva as their new manager, after showing interest in him months ago, Everton are now in the middle of an important transfer window as the Portuguese manager will want to sign players that fit into his system.
He is yet to make his first signing and one name that could be it is Jamaal Lascelles.
Silva identified Lascelles As A Priority Signing
Previously linked with a move to Liverpool and Chelsea, the English defender was in fine form for Rafa Benitez’s side last season but the uncertainty surrounding the ownership at St James’ Park and around Rafa’s future has seen Lascelles linked with an exit.
He has time and again spoken about being happy at Newcastle United but reports suggest Everton and Silva are desperate for his signature and are ready to make a £30m bid for his services this month. So is Lascelles an ideal signing for Silva?
Lascelles, The Backbone to Rafa’s Side
The 24-year old started his senior career with Nottingham Forest and was signed by Newcastle United back in 2014. But he only managed to make a name for himself in the Championship the season before the last, where he helped his side to the title and an immediate promotion to the Premier League.
On his way to the top flight, he was also named the captain of Rafa’s Newcastle United and was once again crucial in avoiding relegation and taking his side to a finish in the top half of the table. He has already made 51 PL appearances but is yet to be given an international cap by Gareth Southgate but his performances last season show that he is not too far away from it.
Alongside Florian Lejeune and Ciaran Clark, Lascelles was influential at the back, showing great maturity, patience and understating of the game, coming out on top against the best attacks in the league.
He is strong in the air and in hold up play, is quick to come out and close gaps but is equally adept at throwing himself around in the box.
He gives away needless fouls at times, but his gift to pick passes under pressure at the back, along with his positioning and leadership abilities make him a top class defender at the highest level. He is yet to play in Europe but has all the makings of turning into a star for England in the future.
Right Man For Everton?
While Ronald Koeman was happy to use Ashley Williams, Michael Keane and young Mason Holgate as a part of a three-man backline, Sam Allardyce, who took over the Dutch manager, rarely preferred Williams. Keane is yet to prove him mettle while Jagielka is not an option for every game. Holgate is still young, leaving Everton in search of a first choice CB this summer.
There are not many players that can fit into an English side as well as Lascelles and at just £30m, he is a risk worth taking. He has the quality to bring calm and organization to the backline and Silva will want to trust him to help settle down at Goodison Park.