The three reasons why 18-goal Everton target would be an ideal signing in January

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Everton are reportedly keen on bringing one of Scotland’s most prolific goalscorers to the Premier League in January.

It was reported by HITC Sport on Wednesday morning that Everton were set to battle for the signature of 18-goal Hearts captain and star striker, Lawrence Shankland.

Sean Dyche‘s side holds an interest, however, and so do a long line of clubs with Scottish champions Celtic leading the way.

The other interested parties are Sheffield United, Crystal Palace, Burnley, Southampton, Hull City and Middlesbrough.

It’s clear Hearts face quite a battle to keep their key man, but should Everton be making a move? We think so, and here are three reasons why.

Lawrence Shankland could be budget Dominic Calvert-Lewin alternative

Reason one is that Shankland’s arrival could open the door for a big attacking sale which is in many ways exactly what Everton needs in order to solve their financial woes.

This big sale could come in the form of Dominic Calvert-Lewin who has been linked with a move north to Newcastle as recently as the final week of November.

The big striker has scored just three in 16 this campaign and with Beto also struggling – just one in 15 – a new clinical number nine could be ideal.

Calvert-Lewin is already being looked past at Everton with youngsters being viewed as his successor, so why not expedite the process and open the door for his departure.

He’s a clear natural in front of goal

Since joining Hearts ahead of the 2022/23 season, Shankland has been absolutely lethal up front. In his maiden season in Edinburgh, he scored 24 goals in 37 Premiership games which is a massive tally.

This season, he’s continued along those lines, with 13 goals in 21 Premiership games. This kind of clinical finish is exactly what Everton needs to reach the next level.

In total, he has 18 goals and three assists in 28 games up top for the Scottish side, including four in the Conference League qualifiers.

At 28 years old he’s the perfect age

Everton could be signing a player in his prime years which is exactly what they need right now. Shankland is 28 and therefore would have two or three years before a decline could be noticed.

This would give the Goodison Park hierarchy adequate time to source a young replacement who could lead the line at what will then be Bramley-Moore Dock for years.

A proven goalscorer at his peak could be huge for Everton in the fight for survival this season and so that’s why he should be considered as a January signing.