Everton might lose their winger Aaron Lennon this month with Newcastle United and Burnley interested in the player’s signature. According to the latest odds released by United Kindom bookmakers Skybet, the Premier League duo of Newcastle United and Burnley are both priced at 5/1 and are leading the chase for the former England international. The market opened shortly after Everton manager Sam Allardyce confessed that the Toffees are in talks to bring in the Arsenal forward Theo Walcott who can also operate in Lennon’s position. It is being reported in the English press that a £20 million bid is being prepared by the Merseyside club to secure the services of Walcott.
Lennon just has six months remaining on his contract with Everton so a possible move in this transfer window seems highly likely considering that this would be the last chance for the Merseysiders to cash in on their prized asset before losing him for free at the end of the season.
The 30-year-old winger has featured sporadically for the Toffees this season and has made 19 appearances for the club so far in all competitions. The English winger is yet to score in this campaign but has two assists to his name.
With Lennon set to depart the Blues of Merseyside in January, let’s take a look at three options for Sam Allardyce to consider this month.
Theo Walcott
Everton are already in talks with Arsenal over the possible signing of the 28-year-old forward. He still has a lot of pace and could potentially play as a winger or up top as a striker. The former Southampton player has featured in 16 matches for the Gunners this season and has scored 4 goals and made 5 assists in all competitions. A possible move to Merseyside will definitely help him in getting more game time and in turn, make a late push for a position in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, which kicks off later this year.
Steven Naismith
A return for former Everton midfielder Naismith could be an attractive proposition for the Merseyside club albeit a temporary one. He is struggling for game time at Norwich City and would most likely jump at a chance to move back to Merseyside. Naismith scored 26 goals and provided 12 assists in 123 appearances for the Toffees before making a switch to the Canaries where he has 8 goals and 5 assists to his name in 48 matches. It would a great addition to Sam Allardyce’s side as he adds goals to their squad. However, at 31, he will definitely be a short-term fix and will be needed to be replaced in the long run.
El Arbi Hillel Soudani
The Algerian winger has been in a rich vein of form for Dinamo Zagreb this season. He can operate on the right flank or as a striker and has scored 11 goals and made 4 assists in 18 matches for his club in all competitions this term. The 30-year-old has the potential to be a big hit at Merseyside if Everton decides to opt for his signature this month as he will add goals to the Toffees frontline.
