Everton are interested in Gent forward Jonathan David but will face competition around Europe for his signature.
The midfielder has been in fine form for the Belgian side this season, racking up 19 goals and ten assists in 35 games in all competitions.
His performances have seemingly caught the attention of numerous clubs and Everton are among them according to Jeunes Footeux.
The website reports that the midfielder ‘risks being talked about’ during the next summer transfer window as a result of the ‘huge season’ he is currently enjoying.
His ‘high-flying performances’ have ‘logically alerted’ many large European teams with clubs in England, Italy, France and Germany all keeping an eye on him.
Lyon were particularly keen in January, and he remains a target for the summer, but they could face competition from Everton, who are also ‘interested’.
Valued at around €20m, Jeunes Footeux say David will probably ‘animate the summer transfer window’ and could allow Gent to ‘hit the jackpot’.
Signing David would be a move that fits in perfectly with Everton’s transfer strategy moving forward too.
Director of Football Marcel Brands is known to prefer signing young, up and coming players at competitive prices and David would certainly fit into that.
Carlo Ancelotti has also admitted that Everton will be targeting players they can develop and turn into stars as opposed to already established names, further adding credence to this rumour.
The only issue is where he would fit in. With the Blues now playing 4-4-2 under Ancelotti, there’s no place in the line-up for an attacking midfielder of David’s ilk.
Unless there was a plan to change formation, or where the player plays (he has featured as a striker a few times), it’s hard to see where he goes.
Having said that, with stats such as his, Everton might consider it worth the risk to sign David ahead of the competition and simply work that problem out further down the line.
