Everton have been scouting Josh Maja ahead of a possible January swoop for the former Sunderland man, according to Ignazio Genuardi.
The French journalist, as cited by Roker Report, explained that during the month of December the Toffees were keeping a close eye on the young, English striker (via Liverpool Echo, live blog, 10:54, 30/12/2019).
Premier League competition
According to Roker Report, Frank Lampard’s Chelsea is one of a number of Premier League clubs who would offer as competition with Carlo Ancelotti’s side for the supposed signing.
So far this term, Maja has bagged six goals and two assists in 17 games in all competitions for Bordeaux in what has been a slowly improving season for the 21-year-old (per Transfermarkt).
Should Everton make a January swoop for Josh Maja from Bordeaux?Yes, has plenty of promiseNo, not quite good enough
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TiF Tactics – Is Maja a good move for Ancelotti?
While with Sunderland, the young Englishman showed plenty of promise for the Black Cats before making his move to the Ligue 1, however, that was predominantly at League One level.
During his time at the Stadium of Light, Maja bagged one goal in 17 appearances in the Championship and 15 goals and two assists in 24 games in League One (per Transfermarkt).
While that is a good return in England’s third tier, it does mean that a move for the youngster is a little bit of a gamble as to whether he can make it at Premier League level.
In the Ligue 1, which is closer to the Premier League’s level but still not quite, Maja has six goals and two assists in 23 games (per Transfermarkt), proving his adaptability to higher levels.
However, for Ancelotti, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Moise Kean, Richarlison, Cenk Tosun and Oumar Niasse all capable of playing at striker, it is a case of needing to ship some out before any come in – with those leaving most likely the latter two, as it has looked for a while (per The Mirror).