Everton have made an approach for Real Betis midfielder Guido Rodriguez, according to journalist Cesar Luis Merlo (via EFC Daily).

The Lowdown: Rodriguez’s season

The defensive-midfielder enjoyed a strong campaign in La Liga last season; across 32 league appearances for Betis, the 28-year-old averaged three tackles, 1.6 clearances and one interception per game (via WhoScored).

In addition, the Argentina international made nine appearances in the Europa League and a further six features in the Copa del Rey, bringing his overall tally to 100 games for the Spanish outfit (via Transfermarkt).

The Latest: Everton make contact

According to journalist Cesar Luis Merlo (as shared by Toffees news channel EFC Daily), Everton are interested in signing Rodriguez this summer, and the Merseyside club have approached Betis over a potential transfer.

However, it is understood that a formal offer is yet to be made.

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The Verdict: Great signing

When looking at the Argentine’s underlying stats, it is easy to see why the Toffees are interested in bringing the midfielder to Goodison Park this summer.

Compared with positional peers across Europe over the past year, Rodriguez ranks in the 92^nd percentile for blocks, in the 89^th percentile for tackles and clearances, and in the 82^nd percentile for pressures (via FBRef).

Hailed by former Blues striker Kevin Campbell as “a brilliant midfielder who is combative, good on the ball, can play and is mobile”, it makes sense to see Everton linked with the 28-year-old, given his potential to partner Doucoure in Lampard’s midfield and allow the former Watford man more freedom to roam forward.