Everton have the chance to move even closer to the UEFA Champions League qualification spots on Monday – currently sitting four points off fourth place.
Leeds travel to the Hill Dickinson Stadium for the first time, and pose a tough test for David Moyes having lost just one of their last ten games in all competitions.
It could become an even tougher test for Everton if Leeds manage to sign Jorgen Strand Larsen before Monday – with the Telegraph now claiming that a bid has been made for the Norwegian, who is also being monitored by The Friedkin Group.
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Can the Toffees build on that brilliant win vs Aston Villa? 🤔
Leeds United submit bid for Everton target Jorgen Strand Larsen
It was TEAMtalk who initially revealed that Everton are keen on Larsen as Beto and Thierno Barry struggle – although the latter has improved in recent weeks with three goals in his last four Premier League games.
Now, however, Leeds have made the first official bid for the Norway international, who Wolves value at £40m.
Sky Sports believe the undisclosed offer has been rejected, but the Telegraph add that talks are ongoing and the two sides are not too far away from an agreement, so it is possible that Larsen – who Simon Jordan harshly called a “donkey” – actually faces Everton on Monday.
That might not be a worry for some considering the Wolves No.9 only has one goal in 20 Premier League appearances.
However, Wolves have been woeful this season, and Larsen proved what he can do for a decent team last term with 14 goals in 35 Premier League games, so he could hit the ground running at an in-form Leeds side.
Everton will have to contend with Dominic Calvert-Lewin regardless, if not Jorgen Strand Larsen
Even if Leeds fail to get a deal for Larsen over the line in time for Monday, the Everton backline will still have to ensure that another dangerous striker in Dominic Calvert-Lewin stays quiet.
The England international, who of course left Everton when his contract expired last summer, has been a sensation for Leeds, scoring eight goals in his last ten Premier League outings.
Michael Keane remains suspended, so it is likely that James Tarkowski and Jake O’Brien are tasked with keeping the Leeds No.9 quiet, something even the likes of Manchester City, Chelsea, Liverpool and Newcastle have failed to do in recent weeks.
What kind of reception does Calvert-Lewin deserve on his Everton return? 🫣
Therefore, Moyes must ensure his defence is fully focused for the entire 90 minutes on Monday.
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