Everton in talks to secure winger transfer – report
By Matt Farr
Everton have slapped a £2million asking-price on out-of-favour winger Aiden McGeady this summer, according to a report.
The Liverpool Echo claim that the Toffees are in talks over a deal with Championship side Preston North End, where the 31-year-old is currently on loan.
McGeady joined Everton on a four-and-a-half-year contract in January 2014, but has made just 43 appearances in all competitions after being frozen out of the first-team setup.
The Republic of Ireland international has failed to make a single Premier League appearance for the club over the last two seasons, and looks certain to quit the club this summer.
Everton are happy to see McGeady off the wage bill, but they are holding out for a fee of at least £2million for his services.
Preston are in an advanced position ahead of the summer transfer window, having welcomed the winger to the club on a season-long loan at for the duration of the 2016-17 campaign.
He contributed eight goals and nine assists from 34 Championship appearances this season, and has recently admitted he is keen on extending his stay at Deepdale beyond the current campaign.
Football Insider verdict
McGeady is simply surplus to requirements to the club under the Ronald Koeman regime. The Dutchman has not been able to take much of a look at what the winger can offer, but his current fringe player status, matched with Everton’s Champions League ambitions, suggest that he will be offloaded as part of the next stage of the summer overhaul. The finances shouldn’t provide too much of an issue on Everton’s part, but they are looking to at least make some return on the player, with his contract set to expire at the end of next season. Preston would be a fantastic place for him to move to this summer, having already established himself as a key figure at the club.
In other Everton transfer news, the Toffees are shock contenders to land this 26-year-old ex-Premier League striker on a free transfer.
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