Everton Pursue Deadline Day Move for Bundesliga Midfielder

Everton are reportedly pursuing a deadline day move for Freiburg midfielder Merlin Rohl.

The 23-year-old has emerged as a target for the Blues ahead of tonight’s 7pm deadline.

As per Alan Myers reporting for Sky Sports, Moyes is keen to add another midfielder to the ranks before the window shuts. 

Myers said: “We have seen quite a bit of speculation about Merlin Rohl from Freiburg. He is a central midfielder. 

“That is an area that Everton want to bolster. Don’t forget, they will lose Idrissa Gueye and Iliman Ndiaye when the AFCON tournament is taking place in December, so there are areas that need filling.

“Everton and the new owners will try and do that. Merlin Rohl, he played last night for 45 minutes, coming on at half-time against Cologne.

“He is a central defensive midfielder, something that would tick a box. He is 23, played around 47 games for Freiburg.

“That is one we are going to watch. Some suggestions he is already on Merseyside. We’re not sure whether that is true or not.”

MIDFIELD OPTIONS A MUST FOR MOYES

Indeed, Everton will feel Gueye’s absence during AFCON, and with youngster Harrison Armstrong linked with a loan move this month, another midfielder would be a welcome addition.

With a matter of hours until the window shuts, there is a race against time to secure Rohl’s signature.

With eight signings so far, Rohl would make it nine – just one shy of the 10 Moyes stated was his transfer target this summer.

A right-back and a striker would still be ideal, but securing Rohl would be an astute bit of business.

According to BBC Sport, the deal could be worth £20m. The report also states that Everton will then pursue a defender, should there be time. 

Hopefully Moyes can get this one over the line this afternoon.