Everton are interested in Tottenham Hotspur winger Steven Bergwijn.
That is according to the Daily Mail, who report that the Toffees face a battle with Ajax for the 24-year-old.
The Dutch international is eager for a move away from north London in order to get gametime ahead of the World Cup.
If the former PSV Eindhoven wide man moves up to Merseyside, he will most likely be playing in right wing, where he will face competition from Andros Townsend, who has featured the most there for Frank Lampard’s side.
So how does Bergwijn compare to the 30-year-old?
Andros Townsend
The England international has been one of Everton’s better players in a disappointing season. His WhoScored league rating of 6.71 is the eight-highest in the team, and only Richarlison, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and Demarai Gray can better that among the attacking players at Goodison Park.
His performances earlier in the season led to former Toffees boss Rafa Benitez praising him as a “good example” for others.
“He’s the type of player Everton fans love, because he gives everything on the pitch and has quality.
“Andros is a player that is intelligent and a hard worker, he’s trying to improve his game every day. He’s a good example for Gordon, Gray and Iwobi.”
The former Crystal Palace midfielder’s work rate can be seen in his defensive output this season, being in the top 1% for attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s top five leagues for blocks.
Steven Bergwijn
Despite only four of his 21 Premier League appearances this campaign being starts, the £16.2m-rated ace is Spurs’ fourth-highest scorer.
The Amsterdam-born attacker has a knack for appearing in the right place at the right time. His 0.48 goals per 90 minutes can only be beaten by Son Heung-min in Tottenham, and it would be the highest at Everton.
He is in the top 10% for attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s top five league for carries into the final third and touches in the penalty area.
The fact that the three-time Eredivisie winner is in the top 1% for both shots on target and clearances demonstrates that he can contribute at both ends.
His performance for the Netherlands against Belgium led to his international teammate Virgil van Dijk praising calling the 19-time international “excellent”.
“A good win with good football. Everyone was good today. Steven Bergwijn in particular was excellent, they couldn’t get a grip on him.”
TIF’s Verdict
The Blues need to improve their firepower if they want to improve. They scored 43 goals this season, the 6th-lowest, and only Norwich created less big chances than them this campaign.
The stats suggest that while Townsend has served the Toffees well, Bergwijn has that eye for goal that makes him a priority this summer.
If they can attract the £73k-per-week star up north, it will be a great signing.
AND in other news, “We’ve heard Everton” – talkSPORT transfer insider drops exciting claim on “unbelievable” target…