According to German publication Bild, Southampton turned down the chance to sign Schalke contract rebel Max Meyer for €10m (£8.8m), and Everton should take advantage by bringing him to Goodison Park on a free transfer this summer.

What's the word, then?

Max Meyer celebrates scoring for Schalke

Well, Bild says that Saints were offered the chance to bring the 22-year-old to the Premier League during the January transfer window, with the Bundesliga outfit already accepting at that stage that the player wasn't going to extend his current deal which expires at the end of the season.

However, Bild reports that the south coast outfit rejected the move, meaning there could be a real scrap to sign the Germany international – who has been suspended by Schalke after he claimed in an interview that his club had bullied him – this summer.

Meanwhile, the Toffees snatched a 1-1 draw against Southampton at Goodison Park on Saturday that all-but ensures they will end the campaign in eighth position, but unpopular boss Sam Allardyce, who was slated by his own fans on Twitter over the weekend for the lack of respect he has shown, will already be identifying transfer targets to help them significantly improve on that in what has been a disappointing year overall.

How has Meyer done this season?

The 22-year-old has been one of Schalke's real star players in previous campaigns, but his contract situation and the fractured relationship with his manager appears to have affected his form badly this term.

The Germany international has scored one goal and provided a further assist in 28 appearances in all competitions, and he is unlikely to add to that now because of his suspension.

Meyer has largely played as a defensive midfielder this season, but he is versatile and can also play in the centre, as an attacking midfielder and even as a striker, and he will likely prefer to play further forward whichever club he does join this summer.

Why should Everton sign him?

Firstly, he is available on a free and the Toffees should be looking to sign talents like the 22-year-old who have plenty of quality and potential to improve.

Secondly, he would provide some much-needed competition for the likes of Morgan Schneiderlin and Idrissa Gueye in the middle of the park, and Gylfi Sigurdsson in a more attacking role.

With seven goals in 24 caps for Germany, it is clear to see that he has the quality to help take the Merseyside outfit to the next level.

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