Sam Allardyce’s men stole a point from Chelsea this weekend at home, as both teams failed to break the deadlock in a 0-0 draw. This result will see Everton retain their place in the 9th spot in the points table but the manager is desperate to improve on this position and might need fresh faces in the first team, to take on the best in the league.
A number of star players are constantly linked with a move to the club recently and one name newly doing the rounds is James Tomkins from Crystal Palace.
Reports in England claim that Allardyce, who has had an immediate impact at the Goodson Park, is worried about his defensive options and is ready to raid the London club, for their 28year old defender Tomkins in January. It is understood that Palace will let him leave if Everton are ready to meet his £20m valuation. So should Everton go for him?
A product of the West Ham United academy, the England U21 international made 206 league appearances for the Hammers after he moved to the senior side back in 2008. He only joined Crystal Palace, at the start of the previous season, and is currently the first choice CB for Roy Hodgson at the Selhurst Park.
Known for his strength and understanding of the game, Tomkins is a no-nonsense defender, who is adept at throwing himself around, in the penalty area. He is not the best passer, which will be a turn off for Everton, but he is strong in the air and is an experienced name, who is in the peak of his footballing career.
He has 197 Premier League appearances already and knows the ins and outs of most players in the competition, which will make him a decent addition to the squad at Goodison Park.
Koeman gave Allardyce the likes of Ashley Williams, Michael Keane and Phil Jagielka as first choice CBs with Mason Holgate the apprentice. However, the English manager has stuck with the young Holgate for most games this season, which shows the amount of trust he has on Keane and Jagielka.
Williams seems to have improved under the new manager and remains the first choice. However, though Holgate has been effective, he is not a long-term option as of yet and Tomkins is a player Allardyce wants, to solve this problem.
But at £20m, Everton have to think hard before spending on the Palace man, who has his own frailties. Do you think Tomkins is a player who can start regularly for Everton?
