Before the transfer window got underway, it was revealed that Everton’s biggest priority in the market would be signing new wingers.
Well, Rafa Benitez has achieved his goal in that department, bringing Demarai Gray and Andros Townsend to Goodison Park.
What’s the word?
The Toffees are still looking to bring in a few more wingers before the window slams shut next Tuesday.
Everton are confident of agreeing on a swap deal with Porto involving James Rodriguez and Luis Diaz but he’s not the only offensive player who could join.
That’s because certain reports claim that they’re interested in signing Manchester United forward Dan James.
One newspaper suggests that the Red Devils will let him leave after they sensationally re-signed Cristiano Ronaldo a few days ago.
It’s believed that the Welshman could be loaned or sold if their valuation is met.
James is remarkably valued at €50m (£42.8m) by Football Observatory.
Walcott 2.0
If Everton seal the signature of James this summer then he could become the club’s new Theo Walcott.
Like the veteran forward, James is also a winger and has the tendency to blow hot and cold in offensive areas.
Yet, it’s their speed that’s the most comparable. The Welshman is one of the quickest players in the Premier League and has been clocked at a scintillating pace of 36.8km/h (22.9mph) in the past.
Described as “explosive” by his teammate Andreas Pereira, James was also one of the quickest players at Euro 2020, accelerating to a top speed of 33.5 km/h.
On that alone, the Wales international is an incredibly difficult player to deal with.
However, like Walcott at Everton, he doesn’t exactly offer much by the way of goals and assists. When the ex-Arsenal man was in Merseyside, he only scored 11 in 85 appearances.
Of course, James’ game time at Man United has been limited, but he found the net on just five occasions last term and registered two assists.
That being said, Everton could be his route to discovering more consistency.
Benitez has already made Gray look a better player since he’s returned to the Premier League, scoring in consecutive matches for the Toffees.
If Everton can secure him at cut-price or on loan then it would be shrewd business. Though, judging his goal record, they cannot afford to overpay.