By George Overhill
Everton are “keen” on signing Steven Alzate from Brighton and have already been in touch over a move, according to BBC Sport.
Simon Stone reported via Twitter Wednesday (30 August) that the Colombian international “will be allowed to leave” after the Seagulls brought in Carlos Baleba, with Wolves, Sevilla and Fiorentina also interested.
In an update on the BBC Sport website Stone added that following the £23.2million deal for Baleba both the Toffees and Wolves have already made approaches to Brighton for Alzate, 24, but the Serie A and La Liga options would also come with European football.
Lots of interest in Steven Alzate, who will be allowed to leave @OfficialBHAFC following Carlos Baleba’s arrival. Wolves, Everton, Sevilla and Fiorentina all keen.
Everton are still after further low-cost additions before the window shuts after completing a move for £25.7m striker Beto from Udinese.
Race
Central midfield doesn’t appear to be an obvious priority based on the current state of Sean Dyche’s squad but Tom Davies has left this summer and there is always the threat of late developments around Amadou Onana on deadline day.
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Alex Iwobi has emerged as potential departure following long delays over the Nigerian international’s new contract at Goodison Park, and Dyche was thought to still want wide options as it is with Demarai Gray also expected to go.
Alzate had already fallen down the pecking order at Brighton prior to this summer, having just returned from a loan in Belgium with Standard Liege, and the mega-money sale of Moises Caicedo to Chelsea hasn’t opened the door for more football at the Amex for him.
It has been an absolute slog once more during the window but Dyche has seen his squad boosted by five arrivals, with all but one coming in attacking areas.
However, he has experienced injury crises in multiple positions during his time on Merseyside already so is clearly minded to pick up cheap reinforcements where they are available.
If Alzate is looking to add to his 43 Premier League appearances then Wolves’ own financial pressures should prevent them from easily beating the Toffees to this deal, although the overseas options might win the day.
His versatility could be a useful option for Dyche later in the season and it sounds like a late push is now in progress.
In other Everton news, the Toffees have been backed to land yet another attacker after completing a deal in the opposite direction.