Everton have been linked with a young versatile dynamo that could be snapped up by Marcel Brands for free in River Plate’s Nicolas de la Cruz.
If, as is expected, he can join on a free transfer, Marca have tipped Everton to join a host of clubs in vying to snap up the playmaker.
The 23-year-old has become a cult hero in Argentina since he moved from Liverpool FC Montevideo in 2017.
The Uruguayan has scored 17 goals and 23 assists since moving across the border to Argentina and has been a mainstay of River Plate for much of that time.
He has scored three times from seven outings this season but looks set to exit in the summer.
Marca believe he intends to run down his contract and move to Europe as a free agent.
However, this intention is not borne out of ambition alone; River Plate and the player’s former club in Montevideo are in a crucial dispute.
The playmaker wants to see his previous club paid a debt they are owed by the Argentine side.
His loyalty to his former side appears to be preventing a new contract with the Argentine outfit.
Should the debt dispute rumble on, de la Cruz will leverage his position – leaving Everton able to swoop.
Read Everton Verdict
Although he would likely form part of a summer rejuvenation as opposed to a January window signing, do not understate the quality of de la Cruz.
The 23-year-old averages 2 key passes, 1.6 dribbles, 41 passes per 90 minutes in the Argentine Superliga [stats via WhoScored] and is evidently a pillar of fluidity in River Plate’s midfield.
He could provide long-term competition for the likes of James Rodriguez and Gylfi Sigurdsson, whilst he can also play out on the left wing.
