Everton keen on Marseille ace to replace injured Barkley
Published:
Everton are poised to bid for Marseille outcast Morgan Amalfitano in the wake of Ross Barkley’s untimely injury breakdown.
The talented England youngster was set to feature at the heart of the Toffees’ midfield this season but has been consigned to a lengthy spell on the sidelines after injuring his medial ligament.
Barkley broke down in training last week and while an official prognosis has not yet been delivered by the club, Everton manager Roberto Martinez has said he could be sidelined for anything up to five months.
Martinez is operating on a tight budget having shelled out £28m on Belgian strike ace Romelu Lukaku but the Spaniard is said to have identified Amalfitano as a potential replacement.
The 29-year-old has fallen down the pecking order at Marseilleand is contemplating his future at the Ligue 1 club after spending last season on loan at West Brom.
Everton are just one of a host of Premier League clubs vying for the Frenchman’s signature, with West Ham and QPR also said to be interested in acquiring a midfielder with English top flight experience.
Everton would likely be at the head of the queue, with the Goodison Park outfit expected to push for a top four place this season, and with the player not featuring in Marcelo Bielsa’s first team plans this term a deal appears to be on the cards.
The Toffees got their season off to a questionable start – drawing 2-2 with newly-promoted Leicester – and will be looking to fill the Barkley void before the transfer window slams shut.
Next up for Everton is the visit of Arsenal and with the Toffees priced as 7/4 underdogs despite being at home, the Goodison Park faithful will be hoping a replacement – Amalfitano or otherwise – can be secured before the weekend.
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