Offloading unwanted players looks to be a priority for Everton in this transfer window as opposed to inflating the size of their squad – and five players are in the firing line.
Analysis from the Liverpool Echo has identified five key players that the club would like to move on, dropping a major transfer revelation in the process.
Here is the unwanted quintet…
Cenk Tosun
The Turkish striker is noted as having promised to make a decision on his future in ‘2 to 3 weeks’ – meaning he could be shipped out late in the window. Available for sale, the 29-year-old is on reported six-figure wages.
He was close to revitalising his career with a loan move in last January’s window to Crystal Palace, but suffered a serious cruciate ligament injury which has hampered his progress.
Jonjoe Kenny
The right-back has struggled to break into Carlo Ancelotti’s side and the 23-year-old academy product is also available for sale.
The Liverpool Echo claimed that Everton are looking to strike a deal with Burnley for the defender, but it is unclear whether this would be on loan or in a permanent move.
Yannick Bolasie
The ex-Crystal Palace winger is an unregistered option and Everton have tried to offload him for some time.
Multiple deals with Middlesbrough broke down and the Teessiders have since withdrawn their interest in the 31-year-old, who is out of contract in the summer, and the club are keen to shift his wages off their books.
Mo Besic
The Bosnian midfielder spent a relatively anonymous loan spell out at Sheffield United last season but looks unlikely to impact first team plans at Goodison Park.
He has previously been linked with moves to Scotland.
Bernard
The Toffees recently named their asking price for the 28-year-old at £9m amid interest from Al Nasr and AS Roma.
Playing backup to the likes of Richarlison and even Lucas Digne, the Brazilian could be a stop-gap departure to raise transfer funds for other deals.
Read Everton Verdict
Offloading even one or two of these players could go a long way towards freeing up space on the wage bill.
However, any incomings at Goodison Park seem unlikely; the board will likely be looking at loan deals and much later on in the window too.
It may be the case that current Everton players will need to go first before any new signings can come in.
