Everton fans are still hoping to see the club make a move for a new striker this month – and there’s one player who feels like he could be a good fit.
The struggles of Thierno Barry and Beto this season have been unhelpful for Everton, who have ambitions of securing European football.
At the moment, Everton are firmly in contention.
But fans are concerned that the lack of quality up top will prove costly.
The Friedkin Group have the chance to strengthen the team now ahead of the second half of the season.
But so far, the narrative has been that Everton won’t be splashing out. Apparently, loan moves are more likely unless something ‘exceptional’ crops up.
Everton have been quiet, but owners TFG have had some mentions this month. Mainly though, that is in relation to AS Roma, who they also own.
And Roma are currently linked with a player Everton surely have to look at.
Everton should be looking at Donyell Malen
It’s been reported by Fabrizio Romano that Roma have made an approach for Aston Villa striker Donyell Malen, which is interesting.
The response from Villa fans suggests it wouldn’t be a popular move for them to offload him.
But it seems there’s a chance it could happen.
Apparently Roma have made an approach, and want to take the player on loan with an option to buy.
Surely if Villa would be open to that then Everton have to see about swooping themselves.
With TFG in charge at Roma though, one wonders just how possible this could be.
Everton should move for Aston Villa striker Donyell Malen – agree or disagree? 🤔
TFG's Roma are said to be in talks over a loan with an option to buy, but surely Everton could do with him more!
But Malen is the kind of player Everton are crying out for at the moment, as he’s a mobile attacker capable of operating in wide areas as well.
Before he joined Villa, the official Bundesliga website said of Malen: “He combines his incredible speed and technical ability on the ball with an eye for goal and aptitude for defensive work.”
Mario Gotze, who played with Malen at PSV Eindhoven, said: “Donyell is extremely fast and very dangerous. If he has a chance, it’s usually a goal, too.”
He’s scored 10 goals in 46 appearances for Villa. But he hasn’t always started games.
For Dortmund previously though he got 39 in 132 and 55 in 116 for PSV. He also got 20 assists for both of these clubs.
- READ MORE: Everton in six-club chase to land England international who’s scored 26 Premier League goals
Malen would bring something different for Everton
Currently Everton have two strikers who are fairly similar in physical profile in Barry and Beto.
And a lot of the links so far have been to strikers who are big and physical. Artem Dovbyk being one example.
Ideally, the Toffees should have two options that are radically different – and Malen is definitely not like Everton’s current options.
He’s considerably shorter at 5ft 8in, but he is much quicker and better able to spring the offside trap.
He also has the versatility of being able to operate in wide areas.
It seems Villa are ready to let him depart this month, and if there’s one TFG-owned club that could really do with him, it’s Everton.
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