Everton are to table a bid for Oldham defender Martin Hamer as they aim to beat three clubs to his signature, according to Football Insider.
The football site claim the Merseysiders are rivalling Premier League duo Burnley and Brighton, and Championship big hitters Leeds United, for the centre-back, who has been likened to ex-Latics centre-back James Tarkowski.
Football Insider report the quartet are all set to lodge offers before the 9 August cut-off for Hamer, who is 18 and regarded by his suitors as a “potential star in the making”.
Good move for Everton?
Yes. Hamer is a young centre-back of immense potential, and players of his ilk do not grow on trees. Oldham have produced some fine defenders in recent years, and there are signs that teenage ace Hamer could follow the same path as Tarkowski, from the lower leagues to full England international. Aged 25, the Burnley man has done it the hard way after learning his trade in the lower leagues. Everton would be making a smart move by landing Hamer, who made nine first appearances last season, before his price tag shoots through the roof.
This Is Futbol rating 7/10
Likely to happen?
Of the four clubs named as imminent bidders for Hamer, Everton are the most financially powerful, as they showed by making Burnley an offer they couldn’t refuse last summer for Michael Keane. Despite the expensive acquisitions of Keane and Ashley Williams in the last two summer windows, Everton are still in need of solid centre-backs, young or old, experienced or inexperienced. They certainly have the firepower to blow their three rivals out of the water to land Hamer.
This Is Futbol rating 5/10