Everton have been linked with a move for Leander Dendoncker this summer, and a reliable source has now made a claim about the Toffees' interest in the player.

What's the latest?

Transfer insider Pete O'Rourke has told Football FanCast why he thinks Everton should sign the Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder this summer.

The journalist claims: "Dendoncker is someone who would tick a lot of boxes for Everton."

"Premier League proven so he could come straight into the team and can fill a number of roles, defensive midfield, attacking midfield and can slot in at the back as well, depending on what formation you want to play."

"So when you get players like that, they are gold dust to be fair, it gives you so many options in your squad, and Dendoncker wasn't a regular in that Wolves team so he might be interested in a move away if he's guaranteed first team football at Everton."

Huge Allan upgrade

It is no secret that Everton are in desperate need of reinforcements in every area of the squad this summer as their weaknesses were laid bare in the Premier League last season when they endured a difficult relegation battle.

Frank Lampard only has a week left until Everton kick off their next campaign, so identifying the right players who can make the positive impact needed to gain a good start in the top flight is essential.

Dendoncker may not get the regular first-team football that he would like at Molineux but he certainly performs when he is given the opportunity to play in Bruno Lage's side, something that he proved last term.

According to FBRef, the Belgian scored more goals (two), had a better shots on target accuracy (43.5%) and a better pass completion rate (87.3%) and won many more aerial duels (40) than Everton midfielder Allan last season, proving that he would be a huge upgrade on the Brazilian if the 27-year-old were to leave Molineux for Merseyside.

Dendoncker has been lavished with praise for his contribution and role at Wolves, with Lage hailing his £12m gem as a "top player" following an outstanding performance in the victory over Tottenham Hotspur last season. His team-mate Max Kilman added: “He’s brilliant, nothing fazes him. He knows his task and he doesn’t feel the pressure.”

All things considered, it seems that Dendoncker would be the perfect profile of player for Lampard to bring in to ensure that the Toffees don't find themselves in another sticky situation when they return to action next weekend in the Premier League.

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