Everton are interested in signing Real Madrid defender Raul Asencio, and they will face competition from West Ham United.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Everton are prepared to offer €30 million to sign Raul Asencio from Real Madrid in the summer transfer window. TheToffees need more quality in the defensive unit, and the 23-year-old could be a useful long-term acquisition.
Will Real Madrid sell Raul Asencio?
The Spaniard has been a very useful squad player for Real Madrid, but he needs more opportunities at this stage of his career. The youngster has clocked just over 2,100 minutes across all competitions this season, and he will be hoping to play much more. It remains to be seen whether Everton can get the deal across the line.
Real Madrid need a deeper squad to do well across multiple competitions, and players like Asencio can be very handy. He can operate as a central defender as well as a right-back. However, the opportunity to recoup some money from his departure and to invest in the playing squad can be quite tempting. It will not be a surprise if Real Madrid decide to cash in on the player.
Meanwhile, the defender has a long-term contract with the Spanish club until 2031, and Everton will have to meet their demands to complete the deal. Real Madrid are under no pressure to sanction his departure.
Everton and West Ham need Asencio
Everton have done well in the Premier League this season, and they are pushing for European qualification. The Toffees need to tighten up at the back to sustain this level, especially amid the advancing years of James Tarkowski and Michael Keane. The Spanish defender could be a very useful option for them in the long-term.
Similarly, West Ham United have been poor at the back, and they are fighting the relegation battle. The Hammers will be hoping to do much better in the upcoming campaign, and they need to plug the team’s weaknesses. Adding a quality central defender would be a wise decision for them. They have conceded 57 goals in 31 league matches.
West Ham United certainly have the resources to pay €30 million for the Spanish defender as well, and it remains to be seen whether they are prepared to follow up on their interest with an official proposal.