Everton are set to launch an immediate swoop for Norwich City midfielder James Maddison this week to replace the exit-bound Wayne Rooney, according to the Telegraph.
The newspaper reports that the Toffees veteran is set to leave Goodison Park just a year after returning from Manchester United, and that his departure will signal the green light for Marco Silva to try snap up the Canaries’ goal machine.
The 21-year-old netted 15 strikes from the middle of the park, but that he could cost up to £25million, with a host of potential suitors, including Everton’s Premier League rivals Leicester City, joining the hunt for his capture.
Good move for Everton?
It will be if he can replicate his Championship form in the top flight.
The £25million seems a steep price for a youngster with little experience of the Premier League but his record speaks for itself, and there are huge hopes he will become a brilliant talent.
Following in the footsteps of Everton icon Rooney is as tough as it gets and he will have to hit the ground running, rather than being allowed the time to bed in, with expectations high after a bitterly disappointing campaign last season.
Stealing a march over their rivals will be a good way to satiate the desires of the Goodison Park faithful.
This is Futbol rating: 7.5/10
Likely to happen?
It seems as though Maddison’s departure from Carrow Road is an inevitability, and it just depends on where he moves to.
Everton seems like the sort of club at which he could make a real name for himself, for their ambition and quality of squad would bring the very best out of him.
With first team football also likely, it makes a lot of sense, and if the Toffees do come calling, Maddison may well be on his way.
This is Futbol rating: 7/10