Marco Silva is lining up a possible January swoop for Mohammed Salisu, according to Pucela Fichajes.
As reported by the Spanish media outlet, which specialises in news on the Ghanaian youngster’s current club, Real Valladolid, the Toffees are contemplating a bid for the 20-year-old (via Sport Witness).
The central-defender has featured in all 13 of Blanquivioletas La Liga clashes so far this season, also netting one goal in the process (per Transfermarkt).
The competition for his signature
Should Everton be able to secure the services of the 20-year-old during the winter window, they will have been able to shrug off strong competitors to get their man.
Alongside the Goodison Park club, Newcastle United and German outfit Schalke 04 are also reportedly interested in signing Salisu (as per Pucela Fichajes).
However, the most stern competition will come from Spanish side Sevilla, who was reported to be interested in a weekend edition of ABC Sevilla (via Sport Witness).
TiF Tactics – How does he compare to the Toffees centre-backs?
Centre-back will certainly be one key area which Silva will be looking at strengthening in the winter window, due to the Toffees’ lack of cover there (per Transfermarkt).
With only three senior options: Yerry Mina, Michael Keane and Mason Holgate at the Portuguese 42-year-old’s disposal (via Transfermarkt), there will likely be some movement on that front in January.
The undisputed star of the three is the Colombian, Mina, who Valladolid’s man almost goes toe to toe with on average stats for the season so far.
Mina has an average rating of 6.85/10 for Everton this term (per Whoscored), where the La Liga centre-back rates only slightly worse with 6.81/10 (via Whoscored).
Taking a deeper look, the man already at Goodison Park has an average of 1.4 tackles per game, 1.2 interceptions and 4.1 clearances, whereas Salisu hovers around similar numbers with 1.2 tackles, 1.0 interceptions and 4.8 clearances per outing (via Whoscored).
Five years Mina’s junior, the Ghanaian could make a tidy addition come the January window, with a buyout clause of €12 million (£10.2 million) not representing a hefty outlay (via Sport Witness).