Kyle Walker-Peters: ‘Cut-price Everton move on the cards’
Everton are plotting a move to sign Southampton defender Kyle Walker-Peters on a cut-price deal in the January transfer window.
That is according to former Man United, Sunderland and West Ham scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the Toffees are looking to resolve their “major problems” at full-back.
This comes after Football Insider revealed last week that Everton could land the 27-year-old for as little as £5million before the window closes on 3 February.
However, Brown has insisted that if they are unable to pull off a deal this month, they will join a number of clubs in their attempts to persuade him to join on a free in the summer.
As things stand, Walker-Peters’ contract at Southampton is set to expire at the end of the season, with multiple Premier League sides eyeing a potential free transfer.
David Moyes is said to be an admirer of his consistency and work ethic, while his performances at St Mary’s have impressed in spite of his team’s results.
Brown explained that the Everton board are keen to back Moyes where possible within their financial limitations, and a cheaper fee could be ideal.
Everton plan to sign Kyle Walker-Peters after ‘£5m’ reveal
Brown previously told Football Insider that Walker-Peters is set to sound out offers from multiple clubs before making his final decision.
The former scout, who worked closely with Moyes during his time at West Ham and has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment, insisted that the full-back has emerged among Everton’s top targets towards the end of the window.
“They’ve got major problems at full-back,” he told Football Insider.
“They’ve got a number of players in their squad who unquestionably are not good enough, but they do have a lot of hard workers.
“Where they go is going to be interesting because I think they’ll want to back Moysey if they can – obviously a lot will depend on their financial situation.
“Kyle Walker-Peters is one of their top options this month.
“He’s turned in some impressive performances for Southampton despite their results, and there are a few clubs keeping an eye on his situation.
“He’s athletic, confident with the ball at his feet, and he works hard and has an impressive level of consistency which will appeal to the manager.
“I think they might try to get him in this month for a cut-price fee, but if they can’t then they’ll be among the clubs trying to convince him to join them for free.”
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