Everton eyeing Union Berlin midfielder Rani Khedira

Everton are reportedly eyeing up a potential move for Union Berlin midfielder Rani Khedira this summer.

The Lowdown: Khedira profiled

Khedira has played in all but two of Union Berlin’s games in all competitions so far this season, helping them in an unlikely title charge, where they are just seven points behind leaders Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga table.

The 29-year-old has a famous football-playing brother, Sami Khedira, who is retired at the age of 35, having won both the FIFA World Cup with Germany and the UEFA Champions League with Real Madrid, among many other accolades (Transfermarkt).

The Latest: Everton interest

As per German news outlet Bild (via Sport Witness), Everton are one of a number of clubs in the Premier League that are interested in signing Khedira this summer.

He is out of contract at Union Berlin at the end of the season, with no signs of renewal talks at this moment in time.

The report notes that Khedira has ‘developed into a leader’ at Union Berlin, and that he has played a ‘key role’ this season.

The Verdict: Get it done

Khedira is certainly a player that is capable of coming straight into Everton’s starting line-up for next season.

No Union Berlin player has averaged more interceptions per game than him in the Bundesliga so far this term, while he also ranks highly among his team-mates for average aerial duels won, well as tackles, blocks and passes made per game (WhoScored).

The six-foot-two colossus would add a presence in the middle of the park for Sean Dyche‘s team, and would also add extra leadership qualities in the dressing room, having already captained Union Berlin on a number of occasions this campaign.

However, any deal would likely depend on whether the Toffees can stay up in the Premier League, as Khedira would probably not fancy moving to the Championship from a major European division.

Nonetheless, if the Blues are able to sign him on a free transfer, it could turn out to be a real bargain, as at the age of 29, he still has a few years left in him at a high level.

They would need to wrap up a deal quickly though, given the interest from a number of their rivals in the top flight, the summer looks set to be at very interesting battle for Khedira’s signature, should he end up leaving Union Berlin as a free agent.