Everton are in talks to sign Jens Cajuste from Napoli as Sean Dyche looks to strengthen his midfield options this month, according to Team talk.
Everton recently sold midfield talisman Amadou Onana to Premier League rivals, Aston Villa and the Toffees are now in the market for a replacement.
Cajuste has emerged as a top target after his proposed transfer to Brentford fell through. Team talk Napoli are now reportedly trying to secure a move for the Sweden international with executives in the UK holding talks with interested clubs.
The report adds that Everton are now in “active talks” to sign Cajuste on a potential loan deal, with Dyche looking to bring the 25-year-old to Goodison Park this month.
Cajuste is interested in playing in the Premier League, but Everton could still face more competition as the report says Brentford still have an interest in signing the midfielder, while Ipswich Town are also interested in the Swede.
TEAMtalk says Napoli will want to include a buy option in any loan deal, but the 1.88m midfielder is valued at just £8m. Transfer marketso any permanent deal should not cost him an arm and a leg.
Backup Options
According to the report, Everton are considering alternative options should they fail to secure a deal for Cajuste. The Toffees have also shown a keen interest in Lesley Ugochuwku, with the midfielder on the verge of leaving. Chelsea This summer.
Ugochuwku has struggled to make an impact at Stamford Bridge since joining from Rennes last year and Everton could have given him the chance to resurrect his career at Goodison Park.
However, the France Under-21 international looks set to leave on loan for Southampton, meaning Everton will have to find an alternative target if they fail to land Cajuste.
Despite having a small budget to spend this summer, Everton have made a good deal by signing quality players who will strengthen their squad.
They signed promising centre-back Jake O'Brien from Lyon, before Sheffield United's player of the 2022-23 season Ilyman Ndiaye joined from Marseille.
They also completed the permanent signing of Tim Ireogbunam and the loan signing of Jesper Lindstrom from Aston Villa and Napoli respectively.
The addition of Cajuste would further strengthen Sean Dyche's side and give them a better chance of securing Premier League survival next season.
