Expert verdict on Everton signing Viktor Gyokeres after update – ‘I watch him a lot’
Noel Whelan has claimed Everton would have to modify their setup in order to get the best out of reported target Viktor Gyokeres.
The former Leeds and Coventry striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the Toffees “don’t look like they want to score goals” after their faltering start to the 2022-23 season.
According to Football League World (24 November), Everton are among the Premier League clubs chasing Gyokeres ahead of the January window – with Palace, Southampton, and West Ham all interested in his services.
The report also claims Coventry will try to fend off interest by offering the Sweden international a new long-term deal in 2023 – with his current contract set to expire in June 2024.
Gyokeres is joint-top of the Championship scoring charts this season with nine strikes in 19 second-tier games.
In contrast, Everton’s top scorers – Anthony Gordon and Demarai Gray – have notched just three goals.
Whelan backed Gyokeres to step up to the “next level”.
He told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “It’s not just about putting the ball in the net for Everton.
“It’s about playing a certain type of football. Coventry want to score goals, they play a free-flowing style of football.
“At times, Everton don’t look like they want to score goals. That’s the issue. They often just hang in there and try and hit teams on the counter every now and again.
“He’s a player I watch a lot, being an ex-Coventry player. He’s been prolific since he came to the football club.
“He’s an exciting player. Can he step up to the next level? Probably.
“But Everton would have to play to his strengths and give him the kind of service he needs.”
In other news, pundit claims Everton star Conor Coady will be “fuming” after “mad” manager development.