Who's leading the way in the Premier League sack race?
Everton will attempt to beat Inter Milan, Tottenham and Arsenal to the signing of Lazio star Joaquin Correa if the Toffees sell James Rodriguez to Atletico Madrid. Rodriguez has been surplus to requirements since the controversial appointment of Rafael Benitez.
Playmaker Correa is believed to be available for around £25.5m.
Rodriguez missed Everton’s opening game of the season due to a positive COVID-19 test but has been told that he will not be part of Benitez’s plans, with the Spaniard aiming a subtle dig at the player last week.
The Colombian arrived to much fanfare when he signed on a free transfer after his Real Madrid contract expired last summer.
But his stay on Merseyside has soured and he now seems set to join Los Blancos’ fierce rivals Atletico Madrid.
James Rodriguez will leave Everton, prompting the club to find transfer alternatives (Image: GETTY)
According to Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport, Everton will sell Rodriguez to Atletico and then 'dive in' to rival Inter, Tottenham and Arsenal to the signing of Correa.
Correa is believed to only be a second choice attacking midfield target for the Serie A side, who have sold several star players this season.
That means the three Premier League clubs will likely battle it out for the 27-year-old.
Everton are keenly seeking an alternative to Rodriguez, who was a key part of Carlo Ancelotti’s plans last season.
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Joaquin Correa is a transfer target for Everton, Tottenham and Arsenal (Image: GETTY)
"I don’t know what’s going to happen," Rodriguez said during an Instagram Live hosted on his profile.
"I don’t know, I don’t know where I’m going to play.
“You know that in football and in life you don’t know anything but all I know is that I’ve been training hard, preparing well, training for myself and that’s it.
“It's complicated. Wherever I’m wanted. Someone has to be at a place they’re wanted."
Correa scored eight goals and assisted a further four in Serie A last season.
Corriere dello Sport report that Arsenal are interested in the Argentine but the Gunners appear set to complete the permanent transfer of fellow attacking midfielder Martin Odegaard from Real.
Football London have reported that the Norwegian has completed a medical at the Emirates Stadium, alongside goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.
However, Odegaard will miss the North Londoners’ clash with Chelsea this weekend while he awaits a visa.