Everton are reportedly closing in on the signatures of Allan and James Rodríguez, according to a tweet from Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano.
The players are set to undergo a medical today ahead of their respective deals, which would see them reunite with former manager Carlo Ancelotti.
Brazil midfielder Allan, who is due to complete a £23 million move from Napoli, was part of Ancelotti’s Partenopei side last season, which saw the Italian relieved of his duties in December. He was a regular starter until January but made just two starts in all competitions under new manager Gennaro Gattuso.
Meanwhile, Rodríguez is set to secure a three-year deal at Goodison Park, linking up with the Italian again having signed for him at Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.
As deals for Allan and Rodríguez draw closer, what could both players bring to the Toffees?
South American flair
Allan and Rodríguez are used to playing at high tempos in competitive leagues. The players have both faced the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City, Juventus, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid in the past, which will undoubtedly prepare them for the high intensity of the Premier League.
The box-to-box Brazilian was a formidable part of former manager Maurizio Sarri’s ‘Sarri ball’ at Napoli. He pressed to win possession and played quick, crisp passes to unlock opposition defences.
He never gives opponents a moment’s rest and his ability to recover possession will be invaluable for the Merseyside club considering the physical nature of the league.
Rodríguez’s dribbling excellence will make him a terrific acquisition for the side. His ability on the ball, combined with balance and a wand of a left foot, will enable him to drift inside and take on players, drawing fouls in dangerous positions while drawing players towards him.
His proficiency from dead-ball situations will also make him an asset considering the height the Toffees possess in compatriot Yerry Mina and Brazilian Richarlison.
The Colombian winger contributed 37 goals in 51 appearances under Ancelotti, including 18 goals. To date he has been involved in 228 career goals in 388 appearances.
Extravagant Everton?
Any top-tier professional midfielder should be able to play safe, easy passes but these usually prevent momentum going forward.
The ability to execute short passes with variation, precision and intricate timing lures opposition players out, creating space behind.
Allan and Rodríguez are both technically gifted, have superb passing ability and composure on the ball. Their ambitious, eye-of-the-needle passes will help take Everton to the next level.
The side lacks a cutting edge and the extravagant nature of both players will provide Everton with added impetus, enabling the team to find fresh ideas in the final third.
Silverware has become rare
Everton are in search of their first silverware since 1995, when they won the FA Community Shield having lifted the FA Cup the season before.
Allan and Rodríguez have both won illustrious titles during their career. Allan won the Copa América with Brazil last summer and the Coppa Italia last season with Gattuso’s side.
Meanwhile, Rodríguez has won two La Liga and Bundesliga titles, three European titles – two Champions Leagues with Real Madrid and the Europa League with Porto – and guided his country to third place in the 2016 Copa América.
The creative pair could be the final piece of the puzzle for Everton and be the difference in the club securing European football and challenging for titles once more.
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