5 young players from the English leagues could Everton target

Everton have a little bit of cash to spend in January and they will need to use the funds wisely to build the squad and improve the first 11, but could they look to these shores to add some much needed quality and youth to their ranks?  We think these 5 young players could improve the first 11.

Kevin De Bruyne – Chelsea

Seemingly out of favour at Chelsea, the Belgian has been told to leave Chelsea by team mate Eden Hazard.  De Bruyne returned this year from a season long loan spell at Werder Bremen and has only played 4 times for Chelsea this season despite topping the scoring charts for Belgium in their qualifying campaign.  De Bruyne signed for Chelsea for £7m in January last year.

De Bruyne would be an excellent option for Everton although it is likely he would seek a move back to Germany.

Tom Ince – Blackpool

Blackpools Tom Ince treats the Championship with utter contempt, and to be fair, he deserves to.  Not content with scoring 18 goals last season from the wing, the talented son of former Liverpool midfielder Paul has notched an impressive 6 goals in 11 games this season.  Roberto Martinez is known to be an admirer and rumours surfaced that Martinez told fans on transfer deadline day in August that Ince was on his winter transfer list.  Ince is out of contract in the summer and if he doesn’t move then his fee will be decided by tribunal.  It is believed that Ince would like to stay in the North West having turned down Cardiff in the summer.

Troy Deeney – Watford

A little bit off the beaten track, but Watford badboy Troy Deeney certainly knows where the goal is in the championship.  Deeney spent time in the clink following a street altercation but since coming out of jail has proved what a good striker he is.   Deeney scored 20 goals goals last season and has already notched 7 goals in 14 games this season.  At 25 years old Deeney still has a long career ahead of him and Everton will need a new goal scorer by the summer.

Jordan Rhodes – Blackburn

Blackburns Jordan Rhodes may not be a fashionable name to Everton supporters, but the lad can play.  Over the last few seasons the 23 year old has one of the best scoring records in all English leagues having scored 8 in 19 in 08/09, 23 in 51 in 09/10, 22 in 35 in 10/11, 39 in 38 in 11/12, 33 in 58 in 12/13 and 10 in 15 already this season.  The lad has scored 135 goals in the last 5 and a bit season, including his break through year.

Will Hughes – Derby County

Derby County’s Hughes is the name on everyones lips in the championship.  He is an outstanding prospect and Roberto Martinez has consistently been linked with a move for the 18 year old who is also attracting the attentions of Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City.  Everton would love to link the lad up with James McCarthy and Ross Barkley to form a youthful triangle but the club may be outbid by some uber rich competitors.

Who would you like to see Everton target over the next 2 transfer windows?  Have your say at www.theevertonforum.com – It’s free to register and give your opinion to thousands of other Evertonians.