After being made the favourites to sign Aaron Cresswell by the bookies, Everton must throw everything they’ve got at West Ham to sign the defender in this window.
The Toffees were made the favourites to sign Cresswell by BetVictor on Monday, and if the bookies were proven to be right, Sam Allardyce’s squad would instantly improve.
Everton were thought to be pursuing the defender in this window after the Daily Mail claimed on their live transfer blog last Thursday (3.57pm) that the club had held discussions over a series of left-back targets, including Cresswell.
If the Toffees have any chance of signing the Hammers defender in this window; then they need to jump on the opportunity.
Allardyce’s side is consistently exposed at the back, due to their lack of a natural left-back with Leighton Baines out injured.
Cuco Martina, while doing the best he can in Baines’ absence, is a right-back that can’t consistently deliver Premier League level performances while out of position.
Cresswell’s arrival would instantly fix the Toffees’ problem.
The 28-year-old, who is a natural left-back, is a reliable Premier League performer, having played 123 games in the league for West Ham.
David Moyes has also help prove that the defender is versatile this season, as he has played him on the left side of midfield as well as part of a three man defence.
Along with his defensive contribution, Cresswell is very useful when driving his team forward down the flank.
While he may only have 14 assists in his 123 top-flight appearances; the defender’s ability to play key passes and whip crosses into the box would benefit Everton.
Particularly, as Allardyce’s side are currently struggling to regularly threaten their opponent’s goal.
Until Jonjoe Kenny had a shot at West Bromwich Albion’s goal on Saturday in the 38th minute, during the 1-1 draw between the sides, Opta Joe revealed that the Toffees had gone 251 minutes in the league without a shot on target.
At least if Cresswell played, then his keenness to deliver balls into the box, might at the very least; see Everton register more shots on target.
Also with time running out on the January transfer window Everton are desperate for a left-back, but they don’t want to sign a quick-fix that will only last them until the summer.
Cresswell could be a long-term solution as he could keep Baines from getting back in the team.
Ahead of sustaining his injury, the 33-year-old was starting to show his age in the 20 appearances he made; and was letting his side down.
Signing Cresswell could see Baines’ career extended with him being cover for the new arrival, as featuring for less minutes, might help him cope with the Premier League’s demands once again.
It’s unknown if West Ham would be willing to sell the 28-year-old, given the fact he has made 22 league appearances for them this season.
However, if there’s any possibility that the Toffees can sign the versatile defender; then they need to do everything humanly possible to get him at the club.