Everton have been linked with Jacob Murphy in recent days, but one of his teammates could make a better signing for the Toffees.
After signing Tyrique George permanently, Everton are looking to add more wide players.
Currently, there is speculation over the likes of Jack Grealish – who is now back at Manchester City after his loan – Dwight McNeil, and Tyler Dibling, who is wanted by RB Leipzig.
Everton showing an interest in Jacob Murphy… does that inspire you Toffees fans? 🤔
Jacob Murphy has emerged as a target for Everton, but largely the reaction from many Evertonians hasn’t been particularly good.
Some feel the link is uninspiring, and that Everton need to be showing more ambition.
Incidentally, Newcastle will also listen to offers for Harvey Barnes this summer, which is a move Everton should look into.
Everton should target Harvey Barnes not Jacob Murphy
The Chronicle say that there is also a chance that Harvey Barnes could leave Newcastle this summer, and he’s a player Everton should look into.
If their eyes are already on Newcastle, with Murphy a target, then it is actually a little surprising that there have been no links to Barnes already.
Ultimately, Everton need to sign a player who can deliver output in the final third from wide areas – and Barnes has proven himself capable of doing that over the years.
The 28-year-old has scored 30 goals and made 14 assists for Newcastle, and he previously scored 45 and made 32 in 187 games for Leicester City.
His Premier League record reads 237 games played, with 56 goals scored and 34 assists made.
He’s had four seasons where he has made at least 10 goal contributions, and Everton could do with that kind of threat.
While he is predominantly a left winger who likes to cut in on his right foot, Barnes has had plenty of games on the right side too, and that versatility would be nice to have and allow for in-game swapping.
Eddie Howe once described Barnes as ‘one of the best finishing wingers I’ve seen’ (via Independent), and Jurgen Klopp famously singled him out once, saying ahead of a game between Liverpool and Leicester (via Metro): “Barnes is probably one of the biggest talents, I’m not sure if he is respected or appreciated as much as he should be, he is an unbelievable player to be honest, a proper Leicester product.”
Barnes would be more expensive than Murphy, as he has two years left on his contract as opposed to Murphy being in his final 12 months.
It’s currently unclear how much Newcastle would want for him. But he is certainly a player who could help Everton out, and he would be a more exciting signing than Murphy.
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