Everton are planning a move for Brentford winger Jota. The 25-year-old Spaniard has been in demand for his playmaking skills and has attracted the attention of a number of clubs.
Everton have been planning to secure a number of attacking options as Ronald Koeman is planning to beef up his squad keeping in mind the Europa League next season. The Toffees finished in the seventh position to secure a place in Europe’s second-tier tournament and Koeman would like to possess that superior quality to thrive in the tournament.
Jota arrived from Celta Vigo but was on loan at Eibar for the entire season. But their manager Dean Smith called the player in January which proved to be a masterstroke for the Bees. He went on to turn the fortunes of the club by influencing the club’s play.
The 25-year-old has found the net 12 times in the last season as the Bees went on to secure a 10th place in the Championship table. Jota might leave the club but only if a substantial offer comes from a Premier League club. The winger is valued at £8m and Everton have the cash to match his value.
Jota has a year left on his contract which makes him more vulnerable. Brentford feel it is the right time to invite suitors for him to let him go for the right price. But Dean Smith feels the player will be better served staying at the Griffin Park. The player’s contract will run out after this season but there is an option in the contract to trigger an extension and the Bees hierarchy are considering options to exercise it.
Everton have been linked with a number of attackers recently as Koeman is planning to convert the Merseyside club into an ultra attacking side. Finding the back of the net has been a problem for the Toffees. Apart from Romelu Lukaku, no one has been able to reach double digits and Koeman needs to eradicate this drawback.
Jota can score goals, to be precise he can be deployed in a number of positions and Koeman has to use his versatility. With Europa League in the offing, the Dutch gaffer needs to increase the squad depth to have adequate reinforcements.
He can also be a stand-in player for Kevin Mirallas who has not been up to the mark despite being given an ample number of chances. So Jota would be a very attractive buy for Koeman if he can land the player.
