OPINION
Everton are reportedly one of three English sides interested in signing Bristol City playmaker Bobby Reid this summer.
The Daily Mirror transfer news blog (Sunday, 3.44am) reports that the 24-year-old’s early season form with the Robins in the Championship has caught the eye of Ronald Koeman’s Toffees.
It is said that the Merseyside outfit are not the only team interested in Reid, with Leicester and relegated Middlesbrough also interested in the Bristol City academy product.
Reid has already had a hand in five goals in just four outings for Lee Johnson’s side, scoring four goals and laying on an assist in City’s opening clash against Barnsley.
Everton have already completed a handful of quality signings this summer including the likes of Michael Keane, Wayne Rooney and Jordan Pickford.
This Is Futbol considers whether a move for Reid would prove to be beneficial for the Toffees, as well as if a deal is likely to occur.
Good move for Everton?
Reid has shown that he can unlock a defence in the second tier of English football, providing the creative nous as well as raw talents such as speed and skill that can bamboozle an opponent.
Everton already have Gylfi Sigurdsson and Davy Klaassen in that position, while Wayne Rooney can also play deeper than his normal striker role.
It would see Reid struggle to earn first-team football, even if the Toffees progress into the Europa League.
However, there is no doubt that Reid could impress in the Premier League and Koeman might well look to bring him to Everton and unearth a Championship gem.
This Is Futbol rating: 5/10.
Likely to happen?
Reid has less than 12 months remaining on his current contract at Ashton Gate and that could see Johnson’s side look to offload the midfielder now, rather than losing him on a free next summer.
Signing him as part of a cut-price deal could entice Everton, who have spent huge amount of money this summer on the likes of Sigurdsson, Pickford, Keane and Klaassen.
However, it remains to be seen whether Koeman thinks the Toffees actually need the Championship star.
If the Toffees can get him for around £5million then he would prove a top buy.
This Is Futbol rating: 7/10.