DELPH TO EVERTON?

As the transfer window continues, so too do the rumours of potential Everton signings. We’ve seen an abundance of strikers and wingers linked with a move to the club. However, recent reports have hinted that Everton could be interested in Man City midfielder, Fabian Delph. Make sure to check out the Toffee TV YouTube channel for more transfer news:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CUKOtCeT6w&t=15s

The 29-year-old Delph has reportedly been told that he can leave Premier League champions, Manchester City this summer, and Everton are rumoured to be one of the clubs interested in signing him.

After making just 11 Premier League appearances last season for Man City, Delph is now in his final year of his contract and is becoming more and more out of favour at his current club. He’s almost always been used as a utility player at City, playing at either central midfield, or left-back. Following the signing of midfielder, Rodri, as well as the emergence of Oleksandr Zinchenko, and the pending return of the expensive Benjamin Mendy, Delph could be pushed further out of the team.

If he’s looking for more first team football, a move away would certainly be necessary. However, it seems unlikely that Delph would start for Everton, with the capable starting midfield of Andre Gomes and Idrissa Gueye, as well as the outstanding Lucas Digne at left-back. Delph would have to be more of a squad player, and may be a decent second choice central-midfield option.

Furthermore, at 29, he doesn’t fit in to the desired age range of Marcel Brands incoming signings. It’s likely he’ll only have three or four years left in which he’s able to play at the level required for Premier League football.

The majority of Everton fans on social media have reacted negatively to this rumour. This is understandable because of him being nearly 30, and seemingly not being good enough to start. However, he may be a good option as a squad player. As a regular England international, he’s still a decent quality player.

With Silva seemingly not trusting much of the squad (highlighted by the lack of rotation during a busy Christmas period), it may be a good idea to have better quality squad players to play when called upon.

As well as this, Delph is experienced in playing in important games, and winning trophies. He’s a big character, and could help to fill the void in leadership skills created following the departure of captain Phil Jagielka. With Leighton Baines also leaving soon, it may be good to bring in experienced players to help replace such important figures.

To conclude, it’s not really an exciting addition, and perhaps wouldn’t be welcomed by many Evertonians, but he may be a useful squad player, and even more useful for his experience and leadership qualities.

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BILLY MINSHALL