Cengiz Under has performed extremely well for AS Roma. (Getty Images)
According to CalcioMercato (h/t Daily Express), Everton are in pole position to land Roma winger Cengiz Under.
The Premier League side has been tracking the player for some time and had shown an interest in him back in January. However, no deal materialised after the Serie A side placed a £34million price tag on the youngster (h/t Daily Express).
However, the latest report suggests that Roma have now lowered their demands and are planning to offload the 22-year-old in the summer. This has opened the doors for Everton, whose coach Carlo Ancelotti is the lookout for new faces to bolster his squad next season (h/t Daily Express).
The Turkish winger has endured an injury-riddled campaign. This has resulted in him falling behind the pecking order at Roma under Paulo Fonseca. Fonseca throughout the season has mostly favoured 20-year-old Justin Kluivert in Under’s position, making him second behind the Dutchman.
Despite that, Under has made 20 appearances across all competitions for Roma this season, scoring three goals. Apart from this season, Under has been a vital player for Roma since arriving from the Turkish side Istanbul Basakeshir in the summer of 2017.
Under became an instant hit in Rome, scoring eight goals in the league in his debut season. He enjoyed his best campaign in Italy so far last season, scoring six goals and giving 10 assists from 33 matches for the Giallorossi.
Having proved his consistency, there is no denying that Under is a talent. Hence, Ancelotti’s pursuit of the Turkish winger makes sense.
Meanwhile, the Everton squad is in need of a major overhaul after their dismal performance in the league this season.
Everton lie a lowly 12th in the league this season. Thus, Roping in youngsters like Under would add some energy and confidence to the side.
Moreover, Everton just have veteran Theo Walcott to play on the right flank – a position that Under also prefers to play. However, 31-year-old Walcott is far from the player he once was, evident from his displays this season. Despite making 22 league appearances, Walcott has managed just one goal and two assists, necessitating for youngsters such as Under in the squad.
Everton have two more wingers in Bernard and summer signing Alex Iwobi. However, they both mostly play on the left. Hence, roping in young Under seems like a really wise move by Everton.
Everton clearly lack depth in the right-wing slot and Under would provide them just that. The Turkish winger has proven his credentials at Roma in the past two years. Moreover, Everton need some young blood in their attack if they wish to climb the table next season. Moreover, considering his age, he could flourish under the guidance of top coach like Ancelotti if a move happens.
