Everton dealt fresh update on £17m target with ‘surprise’ twist just yesterday

Add as preferred source on Google

Everton are currently enduring a transfer balancing act, seeking to keep a few different targets poised whilst they wait to finalise some deals.

With a central midfielder, a winger and a second striker already acquired, there are still a few positions that Kevin Thelwell wants.

And he is hardly hiding his desire to improve in those areas, with a winger top of the agenda by some distance.

However, they are not having much luck, particularly with one target.

Jaden Philogene deals ‘surprise’ twist in transfer saga

Everton’s pursuit of Jaden Philogene has been a well-documented saga for some time, but they have not been alone in trying to pry the 22-year-old from Hull City.

Ipswich Town were seemingly set to easily get their man, with Crystal Palace lurking in the background, and even Barcelona have been noted as another high-profile interested party who wanted the £17m trickster.

However, despite all of these suitors, Hull Live have provided a fresh update on a decision made by the youngster, with a shocking revelation that nobody could’ve predicted: Philogene staying in Hull.

They write: ‘City are prepared to keep Philogene at the club this season if an acceptable deal cannot be reached, Hull Live understands.

‘Meanwhile, the Tigers are expected to announce the arrivals of a defender and striker in what will be a huge boost to Tim Walter as he looks to bolster his ranks.’

This was further compounded by journalist Mike White, who confirmed just yesterday that Philogene had shown up in Turkey for his club’s pre-season tour: ‘Surprise appearance here in Turkey at @HullCity’s training camp in Riva as a certain Jaden Philogene has just walked & greeted us in the lobby.

‘Hopefully get more later when we speak to head coach Tim Walter.’

Everton should opt for Yaser Asprilla instead

With Thelwell clearly with his mind set on a tricky winger from the Championship, why not turn attention elsewhere, with a perfect alternative literally already in his sights.

After all, Everton’s interest in Yaser Asprilla represents just that, likely with a fraction of the drama that this Philogene saga has conjured up.

The two did not have too dissimilar seasons respectively, with the Hull City winger’s goalscoring and assisting figures bound to be better given he featured heavily for a side chasing promotion.

His 12 goals and six assists marked a fine return, but Asprilla’s six goals and seven assists for a mid-table outfit is arguably even more impressive.

Not to mention that his silky performances, drifting infield from the right flank onto his magical left foot, have earned him comparisons to a certain James Rodriguez in one report.

With all this Philogene nonsense dominating the headlines, perhaps Thelwell might be better served going under the radar to acquire an ample alternative.