Everton are still pursuing Mario Lemina, according to The Daily Star, but with less than a week left of a transfer window, they should think twice before continuing to focus on strengthening their midfield.
The acquisition of Jean-Philippe Gbamin from Mainz for £25 million is likely to be completed in the near future, and the Toffees will have secured their replacement for new Paris Saint-Germain star Idrissa Gana Gueye.
However, The Daily Star reports that Lemina could still follow through the door, meaning that Everton would conclude their business having signed four different central midfielders after Andre Gomes and Fabian Delph signed earlier in the transfer window.
Read Everton’s verdict
While Lemina would offer Everton a different style of player in the middle of the park, owing to his flair and dribbling ability, it is difficult to see why this move would make sense.
Reports suggest that the Southampton man could leave for as little as £15 million this summer, but the Toffees must resist the urge to clinch a bargain to focus on their efforts to sign a new central defender.
The imminent arrivals of Gbamin from Mainz and Moise Kean from Juventus fix two problem positions in Marco Silva’s squad. It has been a good window so far, but ensuring that Kurt Zouma is adequately replaced – or perhaps himself signed on a permanent deal – is paramount.
Everton’s squad is taking shape nicely as they bid to push their way back into the top seven in the upcoming campaign, but there is still work to be done. Their midfield and attack look to be in good shape, rendering their apparent pursuit of Lemina unnecessary.
Strengthening their defence in the remaining days is crucial, and with time running out, the Toffees must press ahead with their efforts.
