Liverpool are reportedly leading Everton and others in pursuit of highly-rated Charlton Athletic defender Ezri Konsa.
According to an exclusive from Kent Live, Liverpool appear to have taken the lead in pursuit of Ezri Konsa. Everton were thought to be the frontrunners for the Charlton Athletic teenager. But, it seems their fierce local rivals Liverpool have leapt in front in pursuit of the defender.
Ezri Konsa was one of the many youngsters to have become a hotly contested property after his involvement in England’s Under-20 World Cup victory. In fact, Konsa is one of perhaps, just two or three players from the Under-20 World Cup winning squad, to be plying his trade beyond the Championship – in League One with Charlton Athletic.
A mainstay for Charlton this season, Ezri has established himself as more than just a prospect, with the player also agreeing a new contract in March, 2017 in a deal that sees him commit his future to Charlton till 2020. However, he is unlikely to honour the entirety of his new contract, especially with so many clubs interested in the 20-year-old.
The player was on the radar of almost every top English club, with Liverpool, Everton, Manchester United, Chelsea Arsenal and Tottenham all interested in the prospect. But, it seemed Everton had stolen a march on others, with the Toffees reportedly leading the chase for the 20-year-old.
Sam Allardyce has been looking to add to his options in central defence, with the Toffees having a dire defensive record before his arrival. Since Big Sam’s advent at Goodison Park, Everton have lodged five clean sheets in their 10 Premier League games. But, their three losses on the trot have glaringly shed light on the problem.
?? Everton interested in signing Charlton defender Ezri Konsa (20) this January.
Top young defender with a lot of talent! ? pic.twitter.com/yHAz4ZDhCK
— FootyScouted (@FootyScouted) January 11, 2018
Konsa, while not a superstar by any means, will be an invaluable addition for Everton. The Charlton Athletic youngster will unlikely warrant a starting spot from the get-go and could be used as a backup while also learning the tricks of the trade from Phil Jagielka and Ashley Williams.
But, according to recent reports, Liverpool have taken the lead in pursuit of the 20-year-old. The Reds have added Virgil van Dijk in a transfer that saw the former Southampton man become the most expensive defender in footballing history. Konsa though, is more likely to be one for the future at Anfield, if he does arrive.
Liverpool have seen Joe Gomez establish himself very well at Anfield after coming in from Charlton and the Reds could expect a similar effect from Ezri Konsa. As far as first-team opportunities are concerned, Charlton is the best bet for the 20-year-old at the moment.
But, if given a choice, Everton will be able to provide a better chance at first-team minutes compared to Liverpool. Charlton boss Karl Robinson has iterated he does not wish for any players to be sold mid-season as his side pushes for promotion into the Championship.
Robinson though, might run out of luck, with the Charlton board going over him in terms of transfers, especially mid-season sales. But, unlike the Charlton boss, you can take your luck into your own hands, with the phone casino.
We might just see a deal that sees Konsa being resent on loan to Charlton for the rest of the season, which could be amicable for all parties involved. Everton or Liverpool, Konsa seems to be heading to Merseyside. And reports say it could well be soon.
