Tottenham are allegedly in advanced negotiations to sign Everton forward Richarlison with a deal in the picture that could facilitate the transfer of a midfielder the opposite way over the line.
The Brazilian, 25, was at his heroic best for Everton when the goals mattered most last season. With relegation right up in their faces, the Toffees found the much-needed inspiration and abundance as their volatile forward Richarlison bagged six goals in Everton’s last nine games to steer them towards safety. That spate of heroics brought his league tally for the season above double figures – something he’s achieved in three of his four seasons on Merseyside.
However, although they beat the drop, Everton’s past financial bungles always made a key sale this summer likely with Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison having been touted as being the fall guy. That stems largely from the pair being two of the club’s most saleable assets, in other words prime candidates, to generate a fee sufficient to perform vital surgery on the squad elsewhere.
Tottenham are said to be making progress on a Richarlison deal, according to a contributor to Brazilian outlet UOL Esporte who tweeted negotiations over a €60m (£51m) move being ‘advanced’. Richarlison is apparently willing to leave Everton and is already in contact with Spurs over personal terms.
Richarlison had emerged as a candidate to join fellow English sides Manchester United and Arsenal but it now appears Tottenham have leapfrogged their rivals. And should the Brazilian switch clubs, the foundations would be laid for Harry Winks to move the other way as The Telegraph reported the latter is a target for Frank Lampard in central midfield. Winks is deemed a more gettable target than attempting to loan Chelsea pair Billy Gilmour or Conor Gallagher.
The January arrival of Rodrigo Bentancur has made it almost impossible for Winks to have regular first-team football under Antonio Conte. Bentancur has already struck up an impressive partnership with Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg in the engine room. Everton would reportedly prefer to sign Winks on loan with Spurs valuing him at £20m. However, if the Richarlison deal goes through, Everton would have the funds to explore the permanent option.
Although admittedly a volatile character even at the best of time, the Brazilian should be able to tow the line under Antonio Conte. Spurs have also struggled for many a year to sign adequate back-up for Harry Kane. Richarlison is capable of operating all across the forward line and played up top on his own on numerous occasions for Lampard last season and his arrival would provide Conte with a ready-made option if and when Kane is absent.