Why Jamaal Lascelles would be a solid signing for Everton

The pressure has already started to mount on Everton manager Marco Silva following a string of poor performances and results.

The Toffees suffered their first home loss of the season last weekend as Sheffield United pulled off a shock smash-and-grab victory. Silva’s side now sit 14^th in the Premier League table after six games in which they have scored five goals and conceded nine.

The Merseysiders have looked somewhat vulnerable at the back in the opening stages of the new Premier League campaign. They clearly are in need of defensive reinforcements, having failed to replace Kurt Zouma after he returned to Chelsea from his loan spell.

Zouma, who was vital to Everton’s defence during his loan spell, was wanted by Silva but Chelsea manager Frank Lampard rejected a sale due to the club’s transfer embargo. Failure to sign the Frenchman and the release of Phil Jagielka left the Toffees chief with Yerry Mina, Michael Keane and Mason Holgate as the only options in central defence.

The partnership of Mina and Keane hasn’t worked out so far this season, with the duo simply finding it difficult to stem the flow of goals. With just three senior centre-backs at the club, Silva must bolster his squad by signing a new central defender when the transfer window reopens in a few months’ time.

Newcastle United’s Jamaal Lascelles would be a good fit at Goodison Park. He was heavily linked with a move to Everton last summer but a deal never materialised.

Jamaal Lascelles, 25, the Newcastle skipper, has impressed during his tenure at St James’ Park and has proven himself to be quite the leader. He helped his side to a 13^th placed finish last season and has proven to be one of the star performers for the Tyneside-based outfit.

The former Nottingham Forest man is a solid, no-nonsense centre-back, who is known for his tackling prowess as well as his ball-playing abilities. He is a sturdy presence in the box whose impressive physique hands him an advantage over the opposing attackers.

Although he may not be able to thread accurate long passes, the 25-year-old more than makes for it with his solidity at the back.

More Everton News

• Why Everton should beat Newcastle United for Boubacar Kamara
• Why Yussuf Poulsen would be a smart addition to Everton ranks
• Why Matheus Doria could be the solution to Everton’s defensive problems

In addition, Lascelles is blessed with excellent positional sense, enabling him to stay one step ahead of the opposition while his defensive smartness makes him one of the most sought-after defenders in the Premier League.

A real leader on the pitch with the willingness to fight until the last second of the game, he could simply be the perfect player to solve Everton’s s defensive woes.

Verdict

Lascelles is a hugely important member of Steve Bruce’s squad and losing him in January would be a huge setback, particularly with Newcastle expected to battle relegation.

Everton should come up with a huge offer to tempt the Magpies into selling their best defender.