Everton lurking for bargain deal to sign Owen Wijndal amid competition from clubs in three countries
Everton are among the contenders posing a threat to Ajax in the race to sign AZ Alkmaar full-back Owen Wijndal, according to a report. It is going to be an interesting summer in the transfer market for Everton. It will be Frank Lampard’s first off-season at the helm. After escaping relegation last season, finding new players to help them enjoy a more comfortable campaign will be important. Everton were already active in the January transfer window, either side of Lampard’s appointment. One of the players they signed before his arrival was left-back Vitaliy Mykolenko, to replace Lucas Digne. Now, they could be back in for another reinforcement in the position. According to De Telegraaf, they have an interest in Netherlands international Wijndal. As things stand, the 22-year-old could move within the Eredivisie from AZ to Ajax. The current champions have the finances to complete the deal if they desire. However, there are a couple of factors holding up a move. First, Wijndal was not enthusiastic about their opening salary offer. In addition, there are no concrete suitors yet for the unsettled Nicolas Tagliafico. While waiting to offload the Argentine – whom they initially wanted to keep – Ajax may miss out on the signature of Wijndal as his successor. The report claims there is rival competition for his transfer from Everton in the Premier League, Napoli in Serie A and Sevilla in La Liga. Wijndal, whose contract with AZ expires in 2024, is available for a modest fee of €10m (£8.6m). He was recently linked with Tottenham, but they seem to be looking elsewhere and are not mentioned in the latest update. Hence, Everton could be more likely to give him a route into the Premier League. Other than Mykolenko, they have Niels Nkounkou on the books as a left-back. But he was out on loan for the 2021-22 season and is relatively inexperienced. Therefore, Wijndal could be a good option to provide strong competition alongside Mykolenko. He has already amassed more than 140 appearances for AZ, whom he captains, but still has growth potential at his young age. His transfer fee is within reach, too. Even though Everton may not be the favourites for the deal – Wijndal’s agent is willing to waive his commission to send him to Ajax – they could stand a chance of completing an exciting deal. READ MORE: Everton step up quest to strengthen key Lampard area by making contact to take Harry Winks from Tottenham
Everton transfer target Owen Wijndal 'ready' for move with Toffees keen on £8.5m bargain
Everton target Owen Wijndal has declared he is "ready" to move on from AZ Alkmaar this summer. The Dutch defender is understood to be available for as little as £8.5million, however the Toffees reportedly face competition over his signature from the likes of Ajax and Sevilla. The 22-year-old continued to see his profile soar in the Eredivisie last season and his performances appear to have attracted admirers from across the continent. Amid such interest, the left-back has now confessed he is ready to seek a new challenge this summer. “I’ve decided not to say much about it because that’s not very nice towards AZ," FC Update report Wijndal as saying. "I don’t really think it’s necessary because I’m here, and I’m focusing on here. “I have expressed my ambition to AZ to help the club, and the club helps me in that. Which club it will ultimately be, I have no idea. I think I’m ready for it. READ MORE: Bayern Munich thought of Mane transfer in chief's garden