Everton have reportedly expressed an interest in signing Hoffenheim central midfielder Dennis Geiger on a free transfer this summer.

The Lowdown: January interest

Everton were credited with interest in Geiger in January, but a move never materialised in the end.

His contract at Hoffenheim is up in the summer however, meaning that he will leave as a free agent at the end of the season and the Toffees could get him on the cheap.

The Latest: Interest remains

As per German news outlet Kicker, the Goodison Park outfit have now expressed their interest in signing Geiger once his contract expires, but will face competition for his signature, namely from Frankfurt and Benfica.

However, a contract extension at Hoffenheim has not been ruled out, meaning that Geiger could even end up staying at Hoffenheim beyond the summer.

The Verdict: No-brainer

If the Merseyside club can sign Geiger on a free transfer for next season, it is surely a no-brainer.

Hailed as a 'real live-wire' by his former team-mate Sandro Wagner, the German ranks highly among his current squad for average tackles, interceptions, key passes, crosses, long balls and pass success per game in the Bundesliga so far this term, showing how much he contributes all over the pitch.

At just 24, his best years are still ahead of him as well, so the Toffees would have a sizeable resale value if they brought him in as a free agent.

Nonetheless, a transfer will highly depend on whether they are still in the Premier League next term, as they currently find themselves in a relegation battle.