Markus Henriksen, Junior Hoilett and Michael Owen are the latest in a long list of players to be linked with a move to Everton this summer.
It will come as no surprise to Evertonians, who, despite their clubs financial constraints, are linked with a host of players as the transfer rumour mill goes into overdrive each year.
Similarly an English transfer window could not pass without it being reported that boyhood fan Michael Owen is close to signing for the Toffees. Whereas once Everton fans may have hoped David Moyes would take a chance on the injury plagued striker, at 32 Owen’s best days were over a decade ago.
The former Liverpool star was used sparingly in his three years at Manchester United, making 52 appearances and scoring 17 goals. Not a bad return in only 18 starts. Certainly the player himself has no doubt in his ability. He took to Twitter this week to announce that he still has something to offer a Premier League club.
Should David Moyes sign for the free agent, Owen would again be a bit part player behind first choice striker Nikica Jelavic.
Some would argue that he is a proven goal scorer and is a good option as a backup striker. Perhaps they are right, but given his wage demands, age and risk of injury, Moyes would be better using promising youngster Apostolos Vellios as second or third choice forward.
In contrast, Junior Hoilett is a player to excite the Gwladys Street. The 22-year-old is out of contract with Blackburn and has attracted the interest of a number of clubs.
Sky Sports have reported that the Canadian is close to completing a switch to Borussia Monchengladbach but until the deal is done Everton fans will be hoping they will get to see the winger in a blue shirt.
Hoilett was in the minority of players who impressed in Steve Kean’s disappointing Blackburn side. Direct, pacy and full of trickery he is exactly what Everton are lacking on the right flank. Due to his age a compensation package of around £3 million would be required.
Under contract Hoilett would surely command a greater fee and while money is tight Everton fans will hope that should talks break down with Gladbach, Bill Kenright will be able fund what represents a good piece of business.
Celtic target Markus Henriksen is another player said to be on Moyes’ radar. At 19 the Rosenborg midfielder is tipped to have a bright future in the game. A box to box midfielder with an eye for a goal Henriksen already has 8 caps for his country and two Norwegian titles to his name.
Henriksen is reported to be available for just £2million. Also courted by Benfica the youngster has stated that he will only leave Rosenborg to play first team football.
The centre of the park is arguably Everton’s strongest position with Marouane Fellaini, Darron Gibson and Leon Osman all impressing last year, while it is only a matter of time before young Ross Barkley forces his way into the starting XI.
Despite his potential, Henriksen is unlikely to command a starting place under David Moyes and given the club’s limited funds the £2million could be used on players who will make a greater impact at Goodison Park.
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own should stick to watching his horses run, he’s injury prone and too old to last 90 minutes, don’t waste money on someone who will be warming the bench for most of the season providing he’s fit