Schalke chief explains why Everton defensive target stayed put in January

Schalke sporting director Rouven Schroder has explained why the Bundesliga side did not sell reported Everton target Malick Thiaw in January.

New boss Frank Lampard was thrown in at the deep end on transfer deadline day. He has revealed in his programme notes that he prioritised deals for Dele Alli and Donny van de Beek on Monday. The club were also linked with a number of other players with a “hectic few hours” ensuing at Goodison.

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“The timing of my appointment, on transfer deadline day, made for an incredibly hectic few hours trying to complete the deals we wanted,” wrote Lampard.

“Dele and Donny were the two players we prioritised. And the owner, chairman and board worked extraordinarily hard to get those moves across the line.”

Elsewhere though Sport 1 claimed that Everton are one of the clubs that are showing keen interest in signing Schalke defender Thiaw,

West Ham, AC Milan and Napoli were also credited with an interest in signing Thiaw.

Thiaw was initially linked with Liverpool in March 2020 as a potential successor to Dejan Lovren before they sold the Croatian international.

Bild then reported Liverpool had revived their interest in the player in November 2020. The Reds though never firmed up their interest, leaving Everton to take an interest in