OPINION
When it comes to the spending power of Everton and north west counterparts Manchester United, there is only ever going to be one winner – and it is not the Toffees.
The Red Devils are miles ahead of their Merseyside counterparts when it comes to their financial clout – evidenced by their capture of Romelu Lukaku from Goodison Park last summer – and if they were to ever go head to head for a player, fans might expect Jose Mourinho’s side to have the advantage.
It appears as though the two clubs are indeed going to be battling it out on deadline day on Thursday (9 August), with L’Equipe claiming that they are both in the hunt for Chelsea powerhouse Kurt Zouma – Everton reportedly launching a loan bid, United eyeing up a permanent swoop.
However, while on paper the 23-year-old would be more likely to head to Manchester rather than Liverpool, Everton could quite easily upset the odds and capture the French international for themselves, ahead of the Premier League giants.
The French publication’s report claims that Chelsea are uncertain about letting one of their players head to a direct rival, which Manchester United are but Everton will likely not be considered in the same way, so that gives the Toffees advantage in the hunt.
Secondly, the fact Marco Silva’s side are said to be hunting a loan over a permanent deal will also make the Blues more receptive to an offer, knowing that they still own the centre back but are giving him the chance to develop with first team Premier League action.
Manchester United might be the Goliath to Everton’s David, but the Toffees could quite easily pull off a coup in the north west.