Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Fri 31 January 2025 21:00, UK

Everton are working on a complex deal to sign Chelsea midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka before the January transfer window closes, sources have told Football Insider.

Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed that the 21-year-old is “on Everton’s list” for the final few days of the window.

The Merseyside giants need to strengthen their midfield department before the close of the window, with Orel Mangala’s serious knee injury only highlighting the necessity of that situation.

Chukwuemeka is someone on Everton’s target list, but it is will not be a straightforward deal to sign him for multiple reasons.

David Moyes’ side already have four players on loan, which would mean one of those signings would need to become a permanent one or go back to their parent club to allow them to bring Chukwuemeka in until the end of the season due to Premier League rules prohibiting teams loaning more than four players at once.

On top of that, Everton already have Armando Broja on loan until the end of the season and teams are not allowed to have two players from the same club.

Everton will face competition for Carney Chukwuemeka

It has previously been reported by The Times that Chelsea are unlikely to agree to the cancellation of Broja’s loan following an ankle ligament injury, which would prove to be a stumbling block for Everton’s pursuit of Chukwuemeka.

That isn’t the only issue for Everton as well-placed sources have told Football Insider that there is a lot of rival interest for Chukwuemeka right now.

Football Insider revealed back in December that Celtic have been monitoring Chukwuemeka as a potential signing this month, with the Scottish giants also looking to strengthen their squad.

The youngster showcased in his early days at Chelsea that he is a proven Premier League player, but he hasn’t featured once in the league this season under Enzo Maresca.

The midfielder has played 37 times in the English top flight between Chelsea and a previous loan at Aston Villa, scoring once and providing two assists.

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