Everton seems determined to sustain their league position and will strengthen in the window to have a go at the Top 6 which is threatening to create a sizeable and an insurmountable gap with the rest of the teams.
The former Southampton manager made the switch to the Goodison in somewhat controversial circumstances but his credentials have not taken a hit. His excellent track record at Southampton despite the club widely proven as a selling club made Everton decide to entrust him with the aim of taking the next step after a period of consolidation by David Moyes and the subsequent dip under Roberto Martinez.
While the injury to Yannick Bolasie has opened up the need to sign a replacement, there are issues elsewhere also. Everton have defensive issues when a long-term approach is chalked. With Jagielka nearing the end of his career and Ramiro Funes Mori not the most reliable at the back, there will certainly be additions in that department.
But by the looks of it, the midfield will be the first area which will see a new addition.
According to a report, Ronald Koeman wants a reunion with his former protégé Morgan Schneiderlin with whom he has previously worked at Southampton.
One of the causalities of Jose Mourinho’s first season has been Morgan Schneiderlin amongst a couple of other stars of the team which Mourinho inherited from Louis Van Gaal. The likes of Bastian Schweinsteiger and Morgan Schneiderlin along with Depay have found themselves on the fringes of the squad.
Koeman has made it clear that he is focused on securing his main targets and will not settle for backup options in January
”We know what we want,”
“We know the players we want and it is up to the board to make the deal and then, OK, if we don’t get that positive call from the board then I am focused on my job, which is to prepare the team for the next game.
‘’We will see if finally, we get the players in because that is really important for the team. If not we don’t sign other players because that is not what I want.”
Everton have reportedly failed with a £19m bid with Manchester United holding out for around £24m.
Schneiderlin is predominantly a defensive minded midfielder who has the propensity to pop up with important goals once in a while.
In the 2013 season, Schneiderlin registered the most tackles, interceptions and highest work rate which enabled him to win the Player’s Player of the Year and Fan’s Player of the Year and established him as one of the most exciting midfield prospect in England.
All this points a perfect midfielder who can shore up the midfield and at the same time infuse creativity and class. His long-term partnership with Idrissa Gueye potentially seems to be a very promising one and it is no wonder Koeman is so adamant about this seal.
