Everton made five new signings during the January transfer window, along with appointing a new manager in Frank Lampard in an effort to turn the tide on their poor season, and now the club could already be getting ahead in their summer transfer window plans.
What’s the word?
According to MailOnline, Everton have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Bayern Munich star Thomas Muller.
The report comes as the Germany forward gave an interview to Bild, confirming that no talks have been opened to extend his contract as he said: “No one has ever approached me from the club. So you have to see what the future will bring.”
The 32-year-old will be out of contract next summer, and as per the report from MailOnline, he has been recently linked with a move to Everton and Newcastle United.
James Rodriguez upgrade
Muller has had a phenomenal career with his boyhood club Bayern Munich, winning an impressive 29 trophies, scoring 223 goals and supplying 238 assists during his time in the first team.
Even at 32 years of age, the attacker – who was dubbed a “natural talent” by his former Germany coach Joachim Löw – has scored nine goals and set up another 20 for his team-mates in just 29 appearances already this season, proving that he is still hugely impactful for and important to the Bundesliga side.
The attacking output Muller has achieved in the current campaign alone would be a huge upgrade for Everton in their current situation, and an upgrade on James Rodriguez, who left Goodison Park earlier this season after an enigmatic spell on Merseyside.
Having scored three times in his first four games for the club, the Colombian added just three more in his subsequent 22 appearances before quitting for Al-Rayyan in Qatar. Contrast that with the aforementioned consistency which Muller has provided at Bayern and there is really no comparison between the two players.
The arrival of Chelsea legend Lampard should help Everton to attract players, and it could be the difference in the Toffees making the incredible signing of the £250k-p/w gem ahead of Newcastle, thanks to the duo’s with each other during their respective playing careers.
The German goal machine has been effusive in his praise for the Toffees manager’s success as a player, telling The Athletic: “He was a super player. He played practical football. He was a player I can really relate to.”
Muller would definitely add a huge layer of experience and leadership to an Everton team which seems to be lacking in confidence due to a series of poor performances this season, leaving them 16th in the Premier League table and just four points off the relegation zone.
In other news: Everton have been dealt an injury blow ahead of Lampard’s first game in charge