Everton chasing Manchester United defender

According to the Daily Mirror, Everton are planning to launch a £35million bid to sign Manchester United centre-back Victor Lindelof this summer.

The Swedish defender has struggled for form at United since his £31million transfer from Portuguese giants Benfica last summer. In fact, he made just 13 Premier League appearances for the Red Devils. Reportedly, United boss Jose Mourinho is looking to sign a centre-back this summer. That means that Lindelof would fall even further down the pecking order at Old Trafford.

The mooted fee may prove tempting to Mourinho, especially if as reported he is looking to bring in a new centre-back. Although reports suggest that the Portuguese boss is set to give Lindelof another season to settle at Old Trafford.

Silva looking to strengthen in defence

Everton’s new boss Marco Silva is reported to have given the clubs director of football Marcel Brands a list of transfer targets, with Lindelof top priority on the list.

Defensive additions are one of the Toffees priorities this summer. Last season new signing Michael Keane struggled for confidence and form, while Wales international Ashley Williams started showing his age. The former Swansea star looks to have played his last game for the Toffees after some abject displays last season.

Everton finished the season with veteran captain Phil Jagielka marshalling the defence alongside Keane. Jagielka put in some solid displays, but the former England international will 36 in August.

Argentinian international Ramiro Funes Mori failed to win his place back in the team after returning from long-term injury last season. Reports suggest he wants to leave the club.

The left-back position was also a problem one last season, as the club had no cover for veteran star Leighton Baines, who is now 33 and missed much of the start of the season. Backup right-back Cuco Martina ended up playing in the position for a chunk of the season.

In short, the Toffees need new additions to virtually every defensive position. Lindelof would definitely be an interesting addition in the heart of the defence.

Lindelof a hot prospect

When Lindelof arrived at United last summer, he was a hot prospect. The 23-year-old was one of the most highly-rated young defenders in Europe. His performances for Benfica attracted the interest of a number of top clubs. United eventually signed the defender and some saw the signing as a coup.

He seemed to have all the attributes to be the perfect Premier League centre-back. Unfortunately, for one reason or another, he has struggled to adapt to the rigours of the English game.

Lindelof was outstanding for his national side in their World Cup play-off games against Italy, as the Swedes blocked their place at this summer’s World Cup. He even earned praise from boss Janne Andersson, who believes he can succeed at United.

Everton need major additions for a top-six challenge

While defensive additions are the priority for Everton boss Marco Silva and director of football Marcel Brands, the rest of the team is not exactly in great shape either.

A recent statement from Brands stated that the Merseyside club needed to offload 12 players this summer. When asked on social media the 12 players they would offload this summer, most fans struggled to come up with just 12.

In fact, a number stated it would easier to say which players they would keep this summer after last season’s terrible campaign. The Toffees are currently odds of 6/1 to finish in the top-six next season. It seems like the bookmakers believe that Silva will resurrect the fortunes of the Blues and they will return to being ‘the best of the rest’ in the new season.

There is plenty of work ahead this summer to get the team back into a functional shape for next season. A new centre-back is obviously one of the clubs priorities this summer. It seems Lindelof is one of the players earmarked by Silva to improve his defensive options. However, it is doubtful that the Swedish star will be plying his trade on Merseyside next season.

Will Everton sign Victor Lindelof this summer?