Everton and Sunderland are chasing Chelsea striker Tyrique George before Monday’s transfer deadline, sources have told Football Insider.
Chelsea are open to offers for George as he is well down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge, having played just 143 minutes in the Premier League so far this season.
Football Insider revealed in October that Chelsea were likely to green-light George’s exit this winter, and that has proven to be the case, with Liam Rosenior’s arrival doing little to alter the 19-year-old’s situation at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues are chasing qualification for the Champions League once again, and the starlet is not seen as a key part of Rosenior’s plans for the second half of the season.
Everton and Sunderland in the market for a striker
Former Everton and Aston Villa chief executive Keith Wyness told Football Insider in October that West Ham were chasing a move for George ahead of the January window, but their interest has since faded.
Now, it is Everton and Sunderland who view the youngster as the ideal way to satisfy their last-minute need for a striker at the eleventh hour.
David Moyes’ Toffees have been heavily reliant on Thierno Barry to provide their goals of late, with Beto having now netted just one since August.
Similarly, Wilson Isidor’s early-season form has left Sunderland with limited options to cover for Brian Brobbey at the top of the pitch, with Eliezer Mayenda still lacking experience at Premier League level.
The pair now appear set to go head-to-head for George’s signature in the final days of the winter window, as they both bid to convince Chelsea that they are the right fit for their young talent.
Wilson Isidor could swap Sunderland for the Toffees
Wyness told Football Insider earlier this week that Isidor could swap Sunderland for Everton in the final days of the window, after his former club previously launched an enquiry over the Frenchman.
However, any hope of a deal would likely depend on Beto’s departure from the Hill Dickinson Stadium, amid interest from several Italian sides.
Isidor began the season in fine form, but has since gone goalless since October, and has lost his place to Brobbey at the Stadium of Light.
George has now emerged as another potential option for Everton, who could yet be set to see something of a merry-go-round between themselves and Sunderland when it comes to strikers.
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