According to reports from The Express yesterday afternoon, Everton and Tottenham Hotspur are set to battle it out for AC Milan midfielder Keisuke Honda when the transfer window reopens in January.
The Japan international is particularly famed for his potency from set pieces, a defining trait which has seen him produce 76 goals in 353 appearances at club level and 32 in 77 outings for his country.
The 29 year-old moved to the San Siro from CSKA Moscow on a free transfer in January 2013 but has failed to halt Milan’s miraculous decline, finishing up in 10th place last season despite winning their last Serie A title just five years ago.
Honda spoke out against the Milan management earlier this month, telling reporters; “There is no point in blaming the players. Milan have used countless players over the past few years, and this year €100million was spent.
“There are a lot of players who play international football, and they still can’t perform for Milan. If we don’t learn from this, it means that we are far from rebuilding this club. Looking at the past few years, I think it is clear this club cannot start over unless a lot of money is spent, like PSG or Manchester City.”
That’s certainly ruffled around the San Siro and according to The Express could well bring Honda’s spell with Rossoneri to an end – especially considering he’s made just three out of a possible seven starts in Serie A this term.
The British newspaper claim Everton and Tottenham Hotspur are now in the frame to battle it out for his services during the January transfer window. With his contract set to expire in 2017, the former Russian Premier League winner is unlikely to command a huge fee.
Which club needs Honda more; Everton or Tottenham? Comment below!