Everton have made contact with Atletico Madrid over a January move for attacking midfielder Nicolas Gaitan, according to AS.
The Spanish daily newspaper report that Gaitan looks set for an exit from the Spanish giants in January, and Everton are one of four Premier League teams interested in his signature.
West Ham, Southampton, and Crystal Palace are all in the hunt for the Argentina international, who may be allowed to leave for a cut-price fee of around £13million.
It is said that the pass master, who has only made 12 appearances in all competitions this season, wants to leave in order to push for an unlikely place in Argentina’s World Cup squad.
Good move for Everton?
Gaitan is an exciting player, and has major experience in Europe with both Benfica and Atletico. While at Benfica he was a key figure in their sustained success between 2013 and 2016, winning three league titles and a domestic treble in 2013/14.
He has since found minutes hard to come by in Spain, and does represent an interesting option for these Premier League sides.
His pinpoint passing and set-piece specialties will be an exciting addition to the Toffees squad, and in the long-term he looks a snip at £13million.
However, there will be questions over whether he can make an immediate impact in the physical environment of the Premier League.
This is Futbol rating: 7/10
Likely to happen?
An exit from Atletico looks extremely likely, but the question is whether Everton can beat the competition to sign him.
Southampton look the most likely Premier League side to win the race with Argentine compatriot Mauricio Pellegrino at the helm, but questions over his future could open the door to others.
Everton are probably the biggest club in the hunt for Gaitan, and the player may take that into consideration when assessing his next move.
It is pretty much impossible to say where Gaitan will end up, but the Toffees are certainly in with a chance.
This is Futbol rating: 5/10