According to Sky Sports, Everton and Senegal midfielder Idrissa Gueye is in Paris to have a medical ahead of a £28million move to PSG. The move is long-awaited, as the French club saw bids rejected for the midfielder in the January transfer window.
The 29-year-old finished last season in exceptional form, probably the best form of his career on Merseyside. His form played a key role in a fine defensive run towards the end of last season for the Toffees.
He is that vital defensive cover in front of a back four that could turn out to be far more vulnerable without his presence and also without centre-back Kurt Zouma, who returned to Chelsea after a successful loan spell last season.
The Toffees have big ambitions for next season. The men from Merseyside are expected to be busy in the last few weeks of the summer transfer window. Despite the arrival of Premier League-winner Fabian Delph from Manchester City, one of the Merseysider’s priorities this summer is to bring in a like-for-like replacement for Gueye.
Given Gueye’s ability to get around the pitch and energetic style it may be easier said than done. However, the Senegalese international has in the past been guilty of carelessness with the ball, so maybe the Toffees will look for a midfielder with better passing ability.
This scenario is not the ideal one for boss Marco Silva heading into the campaign. It is clear that the current Everton squad has obvious weaknesses, including in the centre forward area. Looking for a replacement for Gueye is just another headache for Silva and director of football Marcel Brands to deal with.
It seems highly likely that the Toffees will move for a younger and maybe a more physically imposing central midfielder this summer. They need to, as signing a replacement for such an influential player could be crucial to their progression next season.