Reports are emerging about a £24m confirmed move for James Maddison from Norwich City to Leicester City. The attacking midfielder is due to appear for a medical at the King Power Stadium in the coming week, leaving Everton at a loss for a replacement option.
It is understood that the Toffees too were chasing the 21-year-old and at one point were even leading the race. Now Marco Silva has to look for potential alternatives with hopes of bolstering the club ranks ahead of the 2018/19 campaign.
Maddison is one of the brightest young talents in the country who has the potential to make it big in the Premier League. He has a creative head with astute technical abilities to pair with his accustomed number ten role.
The 21-year-old would have been able to add a different dynamic to the Everton lineup with Wayne Rooney still pondering over his future at the Goodison Park. Gylfi Sigurdsson is yet to replicate his heroics from his Swansea City days and could use some competition to settle into his shooting boots.
Farhad Moshiri’s heavy investment strategy could not pull off any miracles last season. Instead, the fans got to see their side fester in the relegation space earlier in the campaign and then somehow manage a 9th place finish through Sam Allardyce.
Such was not the plan when the Toffees embarked on their ambitious path and Silva is expected to strike an immediate change. Moshiri has agreed to match his previous summer transfer budget, allowing the new head coach to chase after prestigious names such as Maddison.
Here are a few players the Merseyside outfit should consider as an alternative to the Englishman.
Kai Havertz
The 19-year-old plays for Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga and is already stacking up interests from plenty of European outfits. He has been terrific for the German side this past season, scoring 4 and setting up 9 assists in 35 all around appearances.
Manuel Lanzini
The Argentine operates from the same position as Maddison and is one of the best players at West Ham United. He can get the Everton attack ticking with his ability to play behind the striker or from the wings.
Granted, acquiring him will be tough with Manuel Pellegrini in charge of the Hammers but the Toffees have the financial pedigree to make a convincing offer.
Read More: Everton After This 21 Y/O Versatile Midfielder From Championship: Good Fit For Marco Silva?
Mario Gotze
A World Cup winner with Germany but now a rotational option with Borussia Dortmund, Gotze is looking for a change in his career and is preferring a move to the Premier League.
