Everton have only just hired a new manager but they’re already plotting some enormous moves in the summer transfer window.
Rafa Benitez has been promised a summer of spending and that could kick off with the signing of an England player who's currently at Euro 2020.
What’s the word?
The Toffees have been linked with a few centre-backs since the window opened, with a move for Juventus defender Merih Demiral reportedly on the cards.
However, in a surprising report on Thursday evening, the Daily Mail revealed that Everton are seriously interested in Ben White. The Brighton defender has caught the eye of Arsenal, who are believed to be close to sealing a move.
Unfortunately for the Gunners, Everton are trying to usurp them in the race for the 23-year-old England international.
The report states that the Merseysiders are willing to put in a bid of a whopping £50m plus £5m in add-ons. That would eclipse the £50m that Arsenal have proposed.
Everton would pay £20m up front before spreading the rest of the cost out over the next four years.
Benitez on cloud nine
After the Spaniard’s torrid time in Newcastle on the transfer front, to see his new club aiming to spend as much as £55m on one player should be music to his ears.
One of the main reasons the 61-year-old departed the Magpies was down to disagreements over finances. During his time in the northeast, Benitez’s record signing was just £20m on attacking midfielder Miguel Almiron.
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A deal for White might be a pricey move for a player who’s had just one full season in the Premier League but he is a mightily impressive defender. Capable of playing the ball out from the back, he possesses all of the qualities you’d associate with an excellent modern defender.
Last season, the Brighton star completed 83.2% of his passes, a tally which was fractionally down on the 84.6% success rate he had during his one-year loan with Leeds United in the Championship.
Described as “exceptional” by Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp, White looks as though he’s set for an incredibly vibrant future. He earned his England debut last month and was named in the squad for the ongoing European Championship.
A humble but dominating defender, White’s reading of the play and his versatility would also make him an important acquisition for Everton. He produced 1.7 interceptions per game last term and has the ability to play at right-back, in defensive midfield and at the heart of the defence.
One of the most promising young English players around, this would be an exquisite start to Benitez’s reign at Goodison Park. White wound undoubtedly improve their backline and signing him would show that the Toffees mean business.