Noel Whelan has suggested that Everton could look to lure Jesse Lingard away from Old Trafford to fill a crucial void at Everton.
Everton lack a traditional out-and-out number 10 following the offloading of Colombian playmaker James Rodriguez to Al Rayyan after the closure of the summer transfer window.
As a result, the likes of Andros Townsend, Alex Iwobi and Demarai Gray have all been rotated into the advanced playmaker role just behind the striker, with no recognised attacking midfielder waiting to step into Rodriguez’ role.
According to Football Insider, the Toffees could be led to Manchester United playmaker Jesse Lingard, who thrived on loan with West Ham in the second half of last season.
Lingard wants to remain in the north-west to remain close to his family, which Football Insider add could place Everton in pole position for his signature.
Resultingly, that has led Whelan to talk up Lingard as the ideal replacement for Rodriguez as Benitez looks to bolster his squad with proven options:
“He’s not going to have to go far to travel,” Whelan said.
“He probably won’t have to leave his house and uproot. He’ll just have to travel to wherever he needs to be.
“I think Everton are missing that number 10, absolutely. Now that Rodriguez has gone, you’re missing that X factor, that one player that can produce, that can open up the doors.
“Think about the players on either side of what he could have as well, Calvert-Lewin, Richarlison. It’s a mouthwatering prospect thinking about the front four they could have.
“Jesse Lingard could be that missing piece of the puzzle. He could bring the best out of that front three. There’s no doubt in my mind if he did go to Everton, West Ham, wherever, he would be a success.
“He’s one of those players that gets you on the edge of your seat, can make something out of nothing. His link-up play is fantastic but you also know that he’s going to come up with assists and goals through the season.
“He probably should be knocking on double figures when you look at his stats.”
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Recruiting the experienced England international could inject undeniable quality into the heart of Everton’s plans, given how he excelled under ex-Blues boss David Moyes at West Ham last season.
He scored 9 goals and added 5 assists in just 16 outings for the Hammers in what makes for attractive reading to fans.
His contract expires next summer and he has struggled to re-establish himself as a first-team pivot at United – potentially opening the door for a cheap deal.
