Everton are set to join Arsenal and Newcastle in the race for Nottingham Forest defender Joe Worrall, according to reports.
It was reported on Tuesday by Football Insider that the Gunners were eyeing a centre-back ahead of the January transfer window, and that they had identified Worrall as a key target.
Now Mirror Sport (via The 72) claim that both the Toffees and the Magpies are set to rival the London club, with both Premier League outfits also determined to sign central defensive reinforcements in January.
Worrall has established himself as a key player at the City Ground this season, having return from a season-long loan with Rangers in the summer.
The 22-year old has made 16 Championship appearances this season so far, starring for a Forest side that are currently a play-off position in sixth place.
The report claims that Everton are regularly sending scouts to watch Worrall perform as they are keen on the potential that they believe the young defender has.
With just Mason Holgate, Yerry Mina and Michael Keane as senior centre-back options, and considering the poor run the club find themselves in, Everton need to find another defensive option once the transfer window reopens.
Forest are not keen to sell Worrall, especially in the January window, as they look to make a promotion charge this season, having last played in the Premier League in 1999.
Read Everton Verdict
While Worrall has impressed for Forest this season, if I was weighing in on who Everton should be signing in January, I’d be valuing wealth of experience over promise and potential.
Holgate and Mina are both relatively young and can continue to develop for the Blues, but to sign in January, I want a player who is experienced and can come into the team immediately without much need for an adjustment period.
Ordinarily I’d be all for signing young English players, but given Everton’s current situation, I want to see the club prioritise players can come in and make an immediate impact.
