OPINION
As a result of the confirmed departure of fan favourite Wayne Rooney to DC United, Everton look as though they lack the necessary quality up front – and it is something Marco Silva must address.
As of now, the Toffees have made no official signings in this transfer window, which is a rather worrying sign of a manager intent in turning things around at Goodison Park following Sam Allardyce’s departure.
According to the Chronicle, Nice are demanding £27 million for their striker Alassane Plea after an approach from Newcastle United, and the Magpies may well turn to other options if they cannot meet that price – with Tottenham and West Ham said to be waiting in the wings.
This news is something of which Everton should capitalise on, and they must hijack a move for the 25-year-old while United decide on whether they are willing to cough up the money.
This delay gives the Toffees the perfect opportunity to swoop for Plea right from under the noses of their Premier League rivals – and the French forward would make a very welcome addition on Merseyside.
Rooney was one of the primary attacking threats Everton had last season, and now they’ve lost him to America, Plea would be a more than sufficient replacement for the former England international – even if he does play in a different role.
Rooney only netted 11 goals for the club last season, whereas Plea scored a more than adequate 21 goals in all competitions for Nice – a goal tally that fans would hope be replicated at Goodison Park if Plea makes the move.
At the age of 25, Plea definitely has a bright future in front of him, and joining a Premier League club like Everton would help him realise his true potential and catapult him in to progressing into a prolific talisman.
At Everton, he is almost certainly guaranteed a top-ten finish in the Premier League, and his potential arrival would only help the club aspire to finishing even higher and push for a place in Europe.
Now, Marco Silva must act quickly and move for the young goal ace before he is snapped up by Rafa Benitez.