Noel Whelan has backed Everton to seal a loan swoop for Tottenham midfielder Harry Winks if the enforcer is to inject fresh life into a stagnating career.
As reported by the Times (October 6th), Winks wants a temporary move away from Tottenham in January in order to “kick-start his career” – prompting former Leeds hitman Whelan to tout Everton as a probable destination.
Brighton, Aston Villa and Everton were name-dropped in the report as top-flight suitors that showed an interest in Winks’ situation, but there is also a caveat in that the midfielder remains open to the possibility of moving overseas.
According to Football Insider, Spurs were after a fee of £30 million in order to part ways with their academy graduate, which may have put off suitors given his limited game-time this season.
Speaking to the same source, Whelan feels Everton are firmly in the hunt for his signature.
“I think both Villa and Everton will assess where they are in January,” he declared.
“Both sides have depth in his position at the moment.
“But you never know, there could be a situation with injury or with form which could mean they go back in and get Winks on a loan deal.
“You can never have enough backup, but Winks will want a loan during which he can play regularly.
“They’ve both got good squads and competition for places at the moment.
“He could be better off going to a team in the lower half of the table if he wants to play 90 minutes week in, week out.
“It wouldn’t do him any harm in the England reckoning.”
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The midfielder has appeared just twice in the Premier League and has only a handful more in terms of outings at UEFA Conference League level.
He is far from the first name on the team sheet and is not trusted fully by Nuno Espirito Santo.
The 10-cap international may be best-positioned to join on loan in what would represent a try-before-you-buy scenario for the Toffees.
At least in that case, Everton could avoid any obligations if Winks fails to kick-start at Goodison Park.
