According to Daily Mail, Everton are interested in signing Rangers youngster Cole McKinnon in the summer transfer window. But the report suggests that they will have to face competition from league rivals Aston Villa, who are also keen on taking the midfielder on board.
McKinnon, 17, is a product of Rangers’ youth system and has already featured for the club’s reserve side despite his tender age. He was also a crucial part of the Gers’ U17 side which won the ALKASS Cup last year and is highly regarded with the club. Thus, Everton should make a move for him in the summer, beating off competition from Villa.
The Toffees, meanwhile, have struggled with inconsistency throughout the campaign. Marco Silva was sacked earlier in the campaign as they were hovering around the relegation zone. Later, Duncan Ferguson steadied the sinking ship and they have now stabilised under Carlo Ancelotti.
Everton have faced a crisis in midfield for the past few years. Gylfi Sigurdsson was set to be a leader in midfield but the Iceland international has drastically failed this term. Young Tom Davis also hasn’t capitalized on his talent and is going through his worst form at the moment.
Portuguese international Andre Gomes was getting into shape earlier in the campaign but a major injury forced him out of action for the majority of the campaign. He has never been the same since his return. Apart from them, the Toffees don’t have any central midfielders. Thus, with limited options in this key area, the manager should look to bring in young midfielders with a view for the future.
In that regard, signing McKinnon would help them secure their midfield for the future. The youngster could develop himself with the club’s youth set-up and can be given his opportunities when the right time arrives.
Ancelotti has faced midfield crisis with limited options at his disposal and thus, investing in the youth could help the Toffees reap rewards in the future. McKinnon, given his age, could go on to represent Everton in the long run if he fulfills his potential. Thus, signing McKinnon would be a smart investment by the club.
