Everton have made advances over securing the signing of Celta Vigo midfielder Stanislav Lobotka as they prepare for Idrissa Gana Gueye to leave Goodison Park for Paris Saint-Germain this month, according to Le 10 Sport.
The French news outlet claim on their website that the Toffees have progressed over a swoop for the 14-cap Slovakian international and are ready to carry out a lightning fast deal as and when Gueye secures his move to the Ligue 1 giants.
It is stated that the 29-year-old Everton man is firmly in the sights of Thomas Tuchel after he missed out on his signing back in the summer and that the Toffees have lined up Celta Vigo’s 24-year-old to take his place.
Good move for Everton?
Lobotka is clearly a younger model of defensive midfielder and his experience both in La Liga and on the international stage should mean that Gueye is not missed too much by those at Goodison Park.
Of course Everton would love to keep their current star on board for the rest of the season but it sounds as though the player’s mind is already made up and so finding someone to fill that void is a must.
However, Lobotka’s record is not great this season, with just three wins while in the side this season and since returning from a six game absence through injury, during which Celta Vigo lost twice, won twice and drew twice, they have suffered four consecutive defeats.
Could Lobotka be the problem? If so, then are Everton really going to be happy with their new signing?
This is Futbol rating: 7/10
Likely to happen?
This all depends on whether Gueye stays or leaves this month.
It sounds as though Everton have got everything in place for Lobotka to move to Merseyside should he seal his exit but there is no guarantee that the current Toffee will definitely be on his way.
One to watch closely, for it could be done in a matter of hours if PSG choose to pounce.
This is Futbol rating: 6/10