Everton want to sign Brentford ace Frank Onyeka on loan amid financial problems
Everton want to sign Brentford midfielder Frank Onyeka on loan this month as Sean Dyche looks to bolster his options, according to The Guardian.
Writing on their website (11 January), the news outlet report that the Nigeria international is keen for more regular football and Brentford are willing to allow him to leave on loan this month.
The Toffees want to add to their midfield options but are restricted to loan deals due to financial problems, with Onyeka likely to cost upwards of £20m to sign permanently.
“Frank Onyeka is wanted by Everton, Fulham and a number of clubs overseas, with the Nigeria midfielder expected to be allowed to leave Brentford this month on loan,” they wrote.
“Onyeka, who is part of Nigeria’s squad for the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, has made six Premier League starts this season and is understood to be keen to find regular first-team football elsewhere.
“The 26-year-old signed a new four-year contract with Brentford in August and is valued at around £20m, although it appears more likely that he could head out on loan until the end of the season.
“Everton are understood to be determined to resist Arsenal’s interest in Amadou Onana but would like to reinforce their midfield options, although they would only be able to consider a loan move given their financial problems.”
Dyche likes to build his teams with a certain profile, and that means height, power and discipline – three boxes that Onyeka definitely ticks.
Since joining Brentford the 26-year-old has been impressive but has struggled for regular minutes this season, and a temporary exit could work for all parties in this instance.
Everton need bodies in midfield as it is, but with lots of interest in Amadou Onana too there is always a chance that they are put in a position that they simply can’t refuse and need to replace him.
Having Onyeka would at least mean they’re not worse off numbers wise, but it also means that the boss has more options to choose from for the second half of the season as the team look to avoid having to navigate another relegation battle.
This could be one of those deals that comes to fruition later in the window with the player currently away at AFCON, but it’s certainly one to keep an eye on.
