The Athletic: Everton now the most keen in race to sign ‘incredible’ 52-cap gem with 11 trophies

According to a report by The Athletic, it is now Everton who are the club most keen on signing Manchester City left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko.

As per 90min, the 25-year-old is open to leaving the Etihad Stadium this summer in pursuit of fulfilling his ambitions as a midfielder.

Whilst the Ukraine international has received a decent haul of first-team minutes under Pep Guardiola, most of those have come with him playing at left-back.

Therefore, Zinchenko is looking to explore his options elsewhere in search of guaranteed minutes in the middle of the park – a role in which he excels in for his national team, for whom he has amassed 52 caps.

With the Ukrainian linked with an exit this summer, The Athletic have named Zinchenko as one of three players considered to be on Manchester City’s departure list.

The Athletic went on to report that, whilst the 25-year-old has had plenty of Premier League interest in the past, it is now Everton who are understood to be the most keen to sign him this summer.

If Zinchenko were to leave the Etihad, this would open up a spot to sign Brighton’s Marc Cucurella at left-back in Guardiola’s squad.

Given that Zinchenko can play at left-back and across the midfield, his arrival at Goodison Park would provide Frank Lampard with a versatile option who could be relied upon to play in a variety of positions when needed.

The Ukraine captain is known for his technical play, with his teammate Kyle Walker even going as far as to claim that he is ‘more gifted’ than City superstar Kevin De Bruyne, as he is simply ‘incredible’.

The 25-year-old would also bring some valuable trophy-winning nous to Goodison Park, having lifted silverware 11 times during his spell at the Etihad.

Therefore, with Zinchenko’s