Loftus Road, London, Britain - November 19, 2021. Queens Park Rangers' Seny Dieng celebrates.
Everton signing Queens Park Rangers goalkeeper Seny Dieng would provide strong ‘competition’ for Jordan Pickford, according to former Premier League striker Frank McAvennie.
The Lowdown: Four-horse race
The Senegalese stopper still has just under two years remaining on his contract with Michael Beale’s side, but following an impressive start to the season at Loftus Road, he has been attracting plenty of interest.
The Toffees are joined by Bournemouth, Monaco and Lille in reportedly making checks on the 27-year-old ahead of a potential move during the winter.
The Latest: McAvennie’s comments
Speaking to Football Insider, McAvennie has urged Everton to complete a deal for Dieng to challenge Pickford for his place between the sticks at Goodison Park.
The 62-year-old said: “Competition is the best thing you can get, especially with goalkeepers.
“They are fighting for each other’s position but they also help each other. But that is teamwork and it is great. You help him but you want his place.
“Sometimes keepers get their feet too well under the table and they have not got anyone pushing them. Get a decent number two in to push for number one.“
The Verdict: Begovic replacement?
Everton signed Asmir Begovic last summer but he has failed to make himself a threat to Pickford as the Toffees’ number one, playing just one top-flight match, although Dieng may have the ability to change that.
Hailed as ‘outstanding’ by QPR’s former manager Mark Warburton, the 6 foot 3 colossus has kept 26 clean sheets during his time with the Hoops, and he even scored a stoppage-time goal three months ago to rescue a late point for his side.
The R’s are currently in a promotion battle in the second tier, so it’s likely that Dieng would want to see that through.
A move to Goodison Park next summer could well be a possibility, though, especially if QPR fall short in the hunt for promotion.
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