da bet7： Everton are at risk of a year of wasted funds if Muhamed Besic’s rumoured move to Rangers falls through after Steven Gerrard admitted his surprise at claims of a medical.
What’s the word?
da bwin： According to The Athletic’s Jordan Campbell, Gerrard has claimed that it would be news to him if Besic had arrived at the Gers’ facilities to carry out any medical examinations ahead of a potential move to Ibrox.
Gerrard is eager to strengthen his squad with at least one new player before the end of the summer window, having started the season promisingly as the Liverpool icon strives to deny Old Firm rivals Celtic a tenth Premiership title in a row.
Besic had been linked with a move north of the border by reports in his native Bosnia at the start of the month, with Sportske claiming the 28-year-old was high on Gerrard’s agenda.
The Bosnian outlet also noted that Besic could be just days away from leaving Everton after being deemed surplus to requirements by Carlo Ancelotti, with his representatives keen to resolve their client’s situation ahead of Deadline Day.
Fourth Official also suggested Besic had travelled to Scotland on Friday for a medical ahead of a one-season loan, although Gerrard himself refuting the claims could prove costly for Everton.
The clock is ticking
Besic’s situation would have been a high priority of Blues Director of Football Marcel Brands this summer with his £30,000-per-week contract now in its final twelve months, but the clock is ticking for the Dutchman to secure a move away from Goodison Park for the Berlin-born Bosnian before Deadline Day passes.
As such, Everton will be hoping that Gerrard’s comments on Besic were merely the former England midfielder not wanting to speak publicly on a player not yet at his disposal, as the Toffees may otherwise be left paying out £1.29million in wages before the 45-cap international departs as a free agent.
The loan move suggested by Fourth Official would also be a puzzling offer to accept, but should not be entirely overlooked as Brands would still be able to secure a fee befitting of a player nearing the end of their contract.
Arsenal signed Cedric Soares on an initial loan deal from Southampton during the January window and agreed to pay the Saints a reported £1million while covering his full £65,000-per-week salary for the privilege, despite the 29-year-old becoming a free agent in the summer at which point the Gunners had to agree on a new contract in order to keep the Portuguese right-back.
With Besic’s remaining contact almost twice as long as the length of time on Cedric’s when the defender departed St Mary’s, Everton could still be in line to land close to the Bosnian’s market value of £2.16m but more importantly offload his £30k-p/w contract.
AND in other news, Everton are warming to the idea of sending a rarely-seen man away from Goodison Park.