Everton could exploit special relationship to complete Japhet Tanganga signing – pundit
Noel Whelan has suggested the pre-existing transfer relationship between Everton and Tottenham could help Frank Lampard land Japhet Tanganga this summer.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, backed the 23-year-old to snub interest from abroad to stay in the Premier League with the Toffees.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport (17 July – print edition, page three), Everton want Tanganga but face competition from AC Milan, Valencia, and rivals Brentford.
Tottenham and the Merseysiders have already closed one mega-money deal this summer, with Brazil international Richarlison joining the Lilywhites for a reported £60million.
Club chiefs and apparent close friends Daniel Levy and Bill Kenwright reportedly dined together as the finer details of that deal were ironed out.
Whelan suggested it could be Tanganga’s “time to shine” if he joins the Goodison Park side this summer.
He told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “When you’ve built that relationship, that respect is there.
“If you’ve done a deal before then clubs can be more inclined to help each other out.
“It wouldn’t surprise me if he did go to Everton and play under Frank Lampard, I think it’d be a perfect move.
“We know that their defence was a little bit shaky last season, and they’re now looking to bolster that.
“Tanganga is young, and he’s hungry to prove himself in the Premier League. We’ve seen glimpses of quality from him.
“Playing week-in, week-out for a good manager and a good fanbase – it could be his time to shine.
“He needs to stay in the Premier League, for me.”
Tanganga played 19 times last term before suffering a season-ending knee injury in February.
Everton’s only summer signing thus far is the capture of free agent James Tarkowski.
In other news, ex-Fifa official claims Everton may be set for suspended Goodison Park ban after confirmed news.