Everton: David Moyes pushes for Tomas Soucek reunion, but TFG could have bigger plans
Everton manager David Moyes is pushing to secure a move for West Ham United midfielder Tomas Soucek this summer, sources have told Football Insider.
The Scottish boss signed the Czech star during his previous stint in charge at the London Stadium, and it is understood that he remains a big fan of the 31-year-old in the middle of the park.
The Toffees’ boss would seriously consider the idea of bringing the veteran to the Hill Dickinson Stadium next term, but sources say that the club could opt to pursue bigger-name targets if they secure European qualification at the end of the campaign.
Soucek is set to enter the final year of his contract in East London in the summer, and he is facing an uncertain future with the Hammers fighting for their lives at the foot of the Premier League table.
Everton’s transfer plans are already taking shape for next season, but the scale of their ambitions in the market could yet stand to change.
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VISIT THE EVERTON TRANSFER HUBEverton eye Tomas Soucek to bolster midfield depth
Everton’s squad depth has provided concerns for Moyes in some areas of the pitch this season, and he is clearly keen to ensure that the same problems don’t occur again next term.
The Toffees are not blessed with a wealth of quality options to operate at the base of their midfield, while Idrissa Gueye’s contract is due to expire at the end of the campaign.
| Stats | Soucek | Gueye | Garner |
| Apps (Starts) | 28 (17) | 22 (22) | 31 (31) |
| Goals + Assists per 90 | 0.23 | 0.2 | 0.25 |
| Successful Passes per 90 | 27.7 | 40.4 | 40.7 |
| Successful Dribbles per 90 | 0.17 | 0.29 | 0.52 |
| Tackles per 90 | 1.64 | 2.04 | 3.01 |
| Duels Won per 90 | 5.47 | 4.28 | 5.24 |
| Defensive Contributions per 90 | 6.88 | 4.57 | 7.31 |
The Merseysiders hold the option of extending that deal by a further year, but with the Senegal international set to turn 37 in September, he is not the long-term solution.
James Garner has enjoyed an eye-catching season that has seen him earn a first senior England call-up for the upcoming internationals, but there have been concerns regarding the consistency of both Merlin Rohl and Tim Iroegbunam.
Youngster Harrison Armstrong is also an impressive emerging talent, but Moyes has often opted to use him on the wing rather than in his preferred central role of late.
A move for Soucek would provide an experienced and proven option for Everton in the middle of the park, as well as adding a player who already knows exactly what it takes to succeed under Moyes.
Toffees’ priority clear amid Iliman Ndiaye interest
Football Insider revealed last week that Everton won’t entertain offers for Iliman Ndiaye this summer, as they are committed to keeping hold of the key components of this year’s squad.
The winger has starred on Merseyside again this term, and it is one of the club’s top priorities to ensure that he remains in their colours for next season and beyond.
Arsenal and Manchester United have both taken an interest in the 26-year-old of late, but sources indicated that Ndiaye remains happy at Everton after the progress that has been made on the pitch this season.
The former Sheffield United man has been a key figure in the club’s push back towards the European places, and he is set to play a crucial role for them between now and the end of the season.
Everton’s stance on a potential sale for Ndiaye has only served to reiterate the idea that they intend to build on what they have started, rather than take opportunities to cash in.
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