The Athletic: Everton now touted to sign ‘incredible’ EPL winner; set to be a priority

Everton are set to prioritise the signing of a defensive midfielder this summer, and The Athletic has claimed that Manchester City’s Oleksandr Zinchenko has been touted around the Merseyside club.

According to The Telegraph, the Premier League champions will not stand in the 25-year-old’s way if he wants a new challenge this summer after spending five years at the Etihad Stadium.

It has been reported that Arsenal are considering making a move for the Ukraine international, who will likely warrant a big transfer fee given that he has two years left on his current deal.

According to a fresh report by The Athletic, Everton are set to prioritise the addition of a defensive midfielder this summer, seeking someone who is capable of receiving the ball and stopping opposition attacks.

It is reported that, with his future at Man City up in the air, Zinchenko has been touted around clubs such as Everton and Newcastle.

City manager Pep Guardiola has previously hailed the Ukrainian as an “incredible” player and person, claiming that “everybody has to learn from [him]”.

When combined with his wealth of experience playing at the top level, the arrival of Zinchenko would provide an inspirational presence in Everton’s dressing room.

However, with a current market valuation of £22.5m (via Transfermarkt) and with Everton beset by Financial Fair Play concerns, the Toffees could be priced out of a move for the versatile 25-year-old.

If they can afford the necessary funds to land Zinchenko, though, the four-time Premier League winner could be a tremendous coup for Frank Lampard.

In other news: Everton: Toffees face competition to sign Levi Colwill

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