Ronald Koeman is set to battle Slaven Bilic as Everton and West Ham go head to head to acquire the services of Sporting Lisbon’s defensive midfielder, according to the Liverpool Echo.
The Portuguese international, who was part of his nation’s 2016 European Championship winning side, has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League and either West Ham or Everton seem to be the likely destinations. However after the Hammers engaged in some fiery negotiations with Carvalho’s parent club Sporting Lisbon a deal failed to materialise.
Now Merseyside club Everton are interested in the midfielder and are reportedly preparing a €35m bid to secure his signature. The Toffies have struggled defensively this season, conceding 12 goals in their seven Premier League games so far this season and tumbling to 17th place in the table. Koeman spent over £100m in the summer following the departure of star striker Romelu Lukaku but the Dutchman’s purchases are yet to click.
With many fans expecting a push for the European places Koeman is under massive pressure to get Everton’s season back on track and William Carvalho could be the man to do just that. The Portuguese midfielder is solid defensively and can pick a pass to start an attack – something that might help lighten the burden on Everton’s creative players further up the field.
