Everton are after Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Lewis Holtby, and the Toffees will make a bid to sign the youngster in thr January transfer window.
Holby, who signed for Tottenham in the January of 2013, but has struggled to hold down a regular starting place under Andre Villas Boas, and now under recently appointed manager Tim Sherwood.
The German may need to look elsewhere if he wants to gain a place in Germany’s World Cup squad, with clubs in Germany and Italy after the midfielder.
But it appears Holtby may want to stay in the Premier League, and Everton have been long term suitors of the talented German.
The German international, whose father is English, grew up in an Everton supporting household, and was strongly linked with the club earlier in his career before eventually being snapped up by Spurs, in a hefty fee from Bunesliga giants Schalke 04.
Holtby will welcome first team football at Goodison Park, and could slot into the midfield position easily, depending on the transfer status of Everton midfield maestro Ross Barkley, who is being targeted by the Premier League’s big boys.
Holtby, who has been a bit part player for the North London club, mainly starting in League Cup, and Europa League games, could be used as bait, as Tottenham also target Barkley.
Barkley has been in fine form for Roberto Martinez’s side this season, earning a call-up to the England squad for the first time.
Holby has already stated that he will leave Tottenham this window, if he is not included in Sherwood’s long term vision for the Lilywhites.
He has made a total of 36 appearances for Spurs over the past year, but may well consider a return to Schalke during this transfer window.
Speaking about his future, Holtby recently said: “I would never rule out a return to the Bundesliga, especially Schalke, where I had a great time.”
By Ben Reardon
@BenReardon1
