Everton tipped to sign ‘X-factor’ Rodriguez replacement in January after update – pundit
Manchester United star Jesse Lingard would be a “mouth-watering” signing for Everton in January, according to Noel Whelan.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested the 28-year-old could fill the void left by James Rodriguez at Goodison Park.
As revealed by Football Insider (23rd October), the Toffees are in pole position to sign the attacking midfielder as he wants to remain in the north west.
An Everton source told this site on Thursday (21st October) the Merseyside outfit are plotting a raid to sign Lingard in January.
The Toffees are set to explore the possibility of a loan-to-buy deal in a bid to maximise to their limited transfer funds.
West Ham are also keen on bringing the playmaker back to east London after his loan spell last term.
Lingard’s contract expires next summer and he has struggled to re-establish himself as a first-team mainstay at Old Trafford.
Whelan insisted he would be a welcome addition at Everton.
“He’s not going to have to go far to travel,” Whelan told Football Insider’s Russell Edge.
“He probably won’t have to leave his house and uproot. He’ll just have to travel to wherever he needs to be.
“I think Everton are missing that number 10, absolutely. Now that Rodriguez has gone, you’re missing that X factor, that one player that can produce, that can open up the doors.
“Think about the players on either side of what he could have as well, Calvert-Lewin, Richarlison. It’s a mouthwatering prospect thinking about the front four they could have.
“Jesse Lingard could be that missing piece of the puzzle. He could bring the best out of that front three. There’s no doubt in my mind if he did go to Everton, West Ham, wherever, he would be a success.
“He’s one of those players that gets you on the edge of your seat, can make something out of nothing. His link-up play is fantastic but you also know that he’s going to come up with assists and goals through the season.
“He probably should be knocking on double figures when you look at his stats.”
In other news, Calvert-Lewin comeback date predicted by injury expert after crushing Everton update.