Southampton have been linked with a move for Everton midfielder Tom Davies recently and after a poor season, Carlo Ancelotti should axe him from Goodison Park.

According to Football Insider, Southampton are ready to reignite their interest in the England U21 international after a failed transfer attempt last summer.

Newcastle United are also said to be interested in the 22-year-old, although it is the Saints who look like the more likely destination for Davies this summer, with the report suggesting that they will make an official approach should Everton give them any encouragement.

Although the young midfielder is something of a fans favourite at Goodison Park, having joined the Everton academy when he was just 11, his performances this season were nowhere near consistent enough.

Despite some occasional impressive displays, notably in the 3-3 draw against Manchester United at Old Trafford where Ancelotti labelled him "perfect", he still found himself on the fringes of the first-team squad for most of the season.

In 25 Premier League appearances, Davies would contribute no goals and just one assist, earning a less than impressive 6.46 rating from WhoScored.

This would rank him as the 17th-best performer in Ancelotti's squad this season, which suggests that he wouldn't be much of a loss if he was allowed to leave this summer.

Considering the size of the rebuild that needs to be done at Everton this summer if they are to challenge for a European spot, selling Davies could be an excellent way to raise funds, as despite never really pushing on in the Premier League, Transfermarkt currently value him at £14.4m.

He also reportedly earns £25k per week at Everton, so the Toffees could save themselves plenty of money in wages should he depart, and then reinvest that money into a more accomplished midfielder.

Although it would mean ending Davies' 11-year association with Everton, selling him this summer is the best option for Ancelotti if he wants to progress with the Merseyside outfit next season.

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