KEY POINTS

  • Everton could explore the possibility of signing Gonzalo Villar
  • Allan Saint-Maximin could be a target for the Toffees next summer
  • Rafa Benitez is urged to plug the midfield hole when James Rodriguez leaves

Everton is prowling for a midfielder, and there is one player from AS Roma who could lend a helping hand.

Gonzalo Villar of AS Roma has not been getting the chance to help out the cause of Jose Mourinho, making just two appearances across all competitions so far.

The 23-year-old has hardly gotten the chance to be featured in Serie A as well.

From all indications, it appears Villar is not part of Mourinho’s plans. With that in mind, it makes sense for La Lupa to consider dealing away the Spanish midfielder by January of next year.

Roma's Spanish midfielder Gonzalo Villar
Roma's Spanish midfielder Gonzalo Villar Getty Images | PAUL ELLIS/AFP

According to Fichajes.net, Everton is interested in Villar but likely at the right price. The reason behind this is the impending departure of James Rodriguez.

The Colombian footballer is set to move to Al-Rayyan in Qatar, something that will leave a void in midfield for Rafa Benitez.

Villar is seen as someone who can plug that hole. He is a good passer and seen as someone who can provide balance to the cause of the Toffees.

But sealing the deal for Villar will not be easy with other clubs also expressing interest in the Spaniard.

Aside from Everton, Napoli has also been linked for a move to Villar.

Napoli is at the top of the Serie A table and a move there would make sense for Villar. Villar is very familiar with the league.

But the thing here is that neither of the two teams has shown an indication of wanting the displaced AS Roma midfielder, as of this writing.

Allan Saint-Maximin of Newcastle United
Allan Saint-Maximin of Newcastle United Getty Images | Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA

In the case of Everton, Villar may not be the only player they can check out.

Allan Saint-Maximin could be an alternative for the Toffees if Newcastle United is willing to part ways with the 24-year-old winger.

But similar to the Villar chase, the Magpies are not the only one with a vested interest in the French national.

According to Calciomercato, Chelsea and Liverpool may activate their pursuit of Saint-Maximin in the summer of 2022.

A move by January is unlikely to happen, meaning the interest of the three teams in the Frenchman may heat up only by next summer.

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