Report: This summer, Everton is in the running to recruit a versatile “assist machine.”

Everton has apparently entered the competition to sign a flexible “assist machine” during the summer transfer window, although other Premier League clubs are also interested.

Everton transfer news

Blues fans will want to forget this season quickly, and for the time being, the only thing that needs to be focused on is making sure they are not relegated to the Championship. The problems with point deductions and ownership are causing a great deal of distraction, which is not good.

Assuming Everton remain in the Premier League for yet another season, attention will then be turned to new signings, assuming the finances are there to conduct some transfer business.

Arsenal’s Omari Benjamin is reportedly a target, with the promising attacker compared to current Gunners superstar Bukayo Saka and showing flashes of huge potential in the youth ranks in North London. He is likely to be a free agent at the end of the season, at which point the Blues could look to pounce as they plot long-term signings at minimal cost.

Everton want versatile “assist machine”

According to Tutto Juve [via Sport Witness], Everton have entered the race to recruit Juventus starlet Samuel Iling-Junior this summer, who could be available for a relatively low amount. Juve are reported to be willing to let Iling-Junior depart for under €15 million (£12.8 million) this summer, which is considered a bargain compared to what the Italian giants have previously demanded.

A host of other Premier League teams are also eyeing a move for the 20-year-old however, with Brighton, Newcastle United and Tottenham all mentioned in the report.

The left-back/winger might be an excellent summer signing for Everton, as he can have an immediate impact while also serving as a long-term investment. Iling-Junior has been praised as a “assist machine” by journalist Michele Neri, who remarked last year: “You can definitely see shades of Rafael Leao when the AC Milan superstar was a little younger.”

“Of course, he is less influential now than Leao and has a long way to go before reaching the Portuguese’ level. He is an assist machine, but he can also score, especially when his off-ball maneuvers open up space in the penalty area.”