Everton manager Sam Allardyce is plotting an audacious move for Crystal Palace forward Christian Benteke. Recent sources in England claim that Big Sam, who has previously worked with the Belgian striker last season to save the Eagles from relegation, wants to bring him in Merseyside once again as he looks for reinforcements in January. The new Toffees boss wants to boost his attacking options following their sale of star striker, Romelu Lukaku to Manchester United in the summer. The former Liverpool forward has been identified as the perfect solution to Everton’s attacking worries this season after the striker finally got back to scoring goals in the Premier League in Palace’s away victory over Leicester City on Saturday.
It is understood that the Toffees will have to sell before they can fund any move for the Belgian. This is due to the massive spending under former boss Ronald Koeman last summer. The Merseyside club forked out a massive £142.38m during the last window. Although, the sale of Lukaku to Manchester United in a move worth a reported £76m has decreased the net outlay to £45.75m.
However, Allardyce has been told that he won’t be able to make any new signings unless he offloads a few of his players who are surplus to requirements at the club.
The 27-year-old striker has scored one and assisted one against Leicester City after breaking a long goal drought in the Premier League last weekend. Even after his recent troubles in front of goal, Benteke’s goal-scoring record in the Premier League is fantastic, to say the least. The Belgian has found the back of the net 67 times in 167 Premier League matches which has also seen him make 14 assists.
Everton can definitely use a frontman of his credentials under Big Sam who favours playing with a big man up top. The Blues of Merseyside have struggled in front of goal this season but still, find themselves sitting comfortably in tenth place in the Premier League standings following the recent resurgence under their new manager. The Toffees have only scored 21 goals in 17 league matches going into Monday night’s game at home to Swansea City. They are currently switching between Wayne Rooney and youngster, Dominic Calvert-Lewin up top but the manager knows that he can use Rooney’s services in the midfield and sign a forward with a proven goal-scoring record lead the lines for the Evertonians in the second half of the season.
It remains to be seen whether they are successful in their efforts to convince Crystal Palace to part ways with their prized asset next month.
