Everton in talks with Wigan to sign son of Liverpool legend
Everton are reportedly in talks with Wigan to sign defender James Carragher, son of Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher.
Since Marcel Brands arrived at Goodison Park, the Toffees have put a greater emphasis on signing younger players. Indeed, the likes of Ben Godfrey, Jarrad Branthwaite and Niels Nkounkou have all joined the club in recent times.
Everton have also earmarked some impressive young stars who can break into the first-team picture from the club’s academy. That includes both Anthony Gordon and Ellis Simms, who are currently out on loan.
And it looks likely that another young prospect could soon be arriving, with a famous name to boot.
According to a report in The Times, talks have already taken place for the 18-year-old.
The report adds that the Latics have offered Carragher a professional contract. But that has only perked up Everton’s interest, as they have been tracking the youngster for some time.
One offer is said to have already been rejected by Wigan, although it’s not explained whether Everton will return with a higher bid.
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Everton in battle for West Ham target
Meanwhile, the desire of West Ham to bolster their attacking ranks with a former favourite could be tested after Everton reportedly joined the Premier League three-way race.
West Ham are in the midst of their finest season yet in Premier League history. The Hammers retain strong hopes of securing a maiden Champions League campaign come season’s end. Even if David Moyes’ men fall short, the campaign would represent significant progress.
The club’s achievements are all the more remarkable given their relative dearth of options up front.
Michail Antonio has performed superbly as a makeshift centre-forward, but has missed 12 of 34 league matches through persistent injury struggles.
The January departure of Sebastien Haller reduced their no.9 options further, leading to a raft of speculation a striker would arrive.
With European football seemingly inevitable, Moyes will require at least one more option to spearhead his attack. Chelsea’s Tammy Abraham was identified as an option, though the club’s board may have stepped in to block any approach.
Now, according to online outlet Sport Witness (citing Italian newspaper Il Resto del Carlino), West Ham’s attentions have turned to a familiar face to solve the issue.
They state that the Hammers have ‘already made an enquiry’ for former frontman Marko Arnautovic.
The veteran Austrian, 32, performed a similar role to Antonio during his two years with the club. Operating at better than one goal in three, Arnautovic became a favourite with West Ham fans while pushed further forward.
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West Ham exit left sour taste
The forward left under a dark cloud after declaring his desire to leave in 2019. However, amid a scaling back of spending in the Chinese Super League, Arnautovic is being strongly tipped to depart Shanghai SIPG this summer.
Crystal Palace are also stated to be in the mix, though greater competition could come from Everton.
A second report details the viability of a Merseyside move after Everton were revealed to be one of the club’s Arnautovic’s agent spoke with in January.
Serie A side Bologna are described as ‘ready to make their move’ to land the forward, meaning the Prem trio will have to act fast if Arnautovic is to grace the Premier League once again.
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