After a summer of relative stasis in terms of major signings, Everton look as if they are finally swinging in to action on the transfer front.
You have to sympathise with new Everton boss Ronald Koeman who has had the uncertain futures of John Stones and Romelu Lukaku hanging over his head for much of his short time at the club.
With Stones now regrettably gone (for a princely sum at least) Everton are reportedly close to landing two defenders.
Sky Sports reports this afternoon that:
Lamina Kone – Kone is on Merseyside ahead of a potential move to Everton.
The report does also state, however that, despite reports of an £18m bid by The Toffees for the highly rated defender, Sunderland have denied receiving an offer.
The other defensive name on the lips is Ashley Williams who now looks all but certain to sign in the coming hours with the same source stating that:
Everton agree £12m transfer fee for Swansea’s Ashley Williams
The rumours are of the solid 31-year-old Wales centre back signing an initial two year contract.
More exciting to many will be the solid reports over the last 24 hours that Everton are interested in taking Yannick Bolasie to Goosdison.
The Guardian reckons that a bid of £18m has been rejected by Crystal Palace, who are looking for a fee more in the region of £30m in this now ridiculous transfer market.
We do sense, however, that with new investment and the Stones money in the coffers, that Everton have a good chance of getting this one over the line.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDXQJZgdb8k
The 27-year-old DR Congo winger, who has 7 goals in 27 caps for his country, can be the best player in The Premier League on his day. The question is whether he can deliver on a regular basis.
TFF doesn’t know for sure, but we certainly believe that he offers more threat and end-product than Aaron Lennon.