Everton can finally axe "sloppy" dud who's "regressed awfully" by signing £15m brute - opinion

Everton are eyeing up a move for Nottingham Forest defender Joe Worrall ahead of the summer.

According to reports, West Ham along with Brentford and Everton are all interested in the Forest centre-back, who is rated by Transfermarkt at just £3.6m. However, the Championship club are said to value him at between £12m-£15m.

The Premier League trio may look to try and negotiate that price down even lower though, particularly if he fails to help his club reach the top flight this season.

He would also likely be a cheaper alternative to Liverpool defender Joe Gomez, who has emerged as a surprise Toffees transfer target.

Everton defender Michael Keane has struggled badly at times this season, with some very inconsistent form as the team have slipped into a relegation battle.

His performances have led to fans and critics calling for manager Frank Lampard to drop him, with young and hungry centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite patiently waiting for more opportunities to shine.

Even critics have slammed the former England international this term, with Jim Beglin calling him “sloppy” and Journalist Sean Lunt suggesting that he’s “regressed awfully.”

Therefore, if the club survives in the Premier League this season, it would be quite likely that they target a new defender to replace Keane, and due to their financial issues, Forest star Worrall could prove to be a bargain option.

Worrall earned praise from Steven Gerrard for his leadership qualities during their time together at Rangers, with the now Aston Villa manager saying: “He will be a captain of whatever team he plays for.”

If there is one thing Everton need right now, it is leadership – and despite having the experience of Seamus Coleman in the backline anyway, given his poor form,