Everton are in the hunt to sign Swiss enforcer Denis Zakaria, despite the Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder being under contract until 2022, according to the Daily Mirror.
The newspaper claimed on their website that the Switzerland international has been scouted by Everton boss Marco Silva, who is a big admirer of the holding midfielder, and is targeting exciting youth players he can develop at Goodison Park.
Zakaria, who joined Monchengladbach from Young Boys a year ago for £8million, is still under contract at the German club for four years but has impressed in the German top flight, warranting 12 caps for Switzerland along with being part of their World Cup squad.
Good move for Everton?
Zakaria would certainly work in Marco Silva’s plans and provide youth to an experienced Everton squad.
Working as a defensive midfielder, he could offer players such as Gylfi Sigurdsson and new signing Richarlison with a greater attacking threat.
Everton struggled to maintain clean sheets last season, conceding 58 goals in the process and Zakaria can play a role which could certainly provide safety for the defence.
This Is Futbol rating 8/10
Likely to happen?
Everton already bestow a number of defensive midfielders in their squad and unless Zakaria was to have an immediate effect for the side, he could potentially struggle to find a permanent spot in the first-team squad.
Although Silva is keen on youth talent, the experience of Morgan Schneiderlin and Idrissa Gueye could prove a factor in Marco Silva rejecting the idea of luring Zakaria to Merseyside in favour of choosing proven Premier League players.
The gamble could fail badly if the Swiss youngster is unable to adapt to the English top flight.
This Is Futbol rating 4/10