EVERTON IN SHOCK MOVE TO SNATCH BELGIUM’S DEADLIEST ATTACKER – HE’S DESPERATE TO JOIN THE PREMIER LEAGUE REVOLUTION AND YOU WON’T BELIEVE WHY!
Everton have made initial enquiries about signing KRC Genk attacker Zakaria El Ouahdi, according to Sky Sports Switzerland journalist Sacha Tavolieri, as David Moyes looks to strengthen his squad.
The Toffees boss is keen to add reinforcements at Hill Dickinson Stadium, and the Belgium-born Morocco international has emerged as a player of interest.
At 23, El Ouahdi is understood to be open to leaving Belgium in pursuit of a move to the Premier League, but Everton are not currently his preferred destination.
Crystal Palace are believed to be leading the race for his signature, with the Eagles already in contact with the player’s representatives.
Genk are holding out for a fee of around €12 million, a figure Everton could comfortably meet, yet they currently trail Palace in the battle to secure a deal.
A key factor influencing El Ouahdi’s thinking is his desire to join a club challenging for European qualification.
Palace’s impressive campaign has strengthened their appeal, with the Eagles sitting fifth in the table and opening up a ten-point gap on leaders Arsenal.
Everton, by contrast, are ninth after 16 matches, although they are only two points adrift of the final Champions League spot.
Despite their respectable league position, Everton’s recent history has counted against them.
Having been involved in relegation battles in each of the last four seasons, the Toffees have struggled to convince El Ouahdi that a move to Merseyside represents the right step forward in his career.
As a result, Everton may need to explore alternative attacking options during the January transfer window.
A strong second half of the season could yet see them push into the European places, but consistency will be crucial if they are to do so.
El Ouahdi’s versatility would have made him an attractive addition, as he can operate both as a right winger and at right-back — an area Moyes is keen to bolster after centre-back Jake O’Brien has been used there this season.
However, with the Genk man seemingly uninterested, Moyes will now turn his focus elsewhere as he looks to add quality and depth in his bid to guide Everton into Europe next term.
