Everton plot sensational hijack for key Nottingham Forest target, as Dyche eyes summer squad revamp
Everton are willing to make a ‘competitive offer’ for Atletico Madrid left-back Renan Lodi, who is currently on loan at Nottingham Forest, according to reports.
It is believed that Steve Cooper’s side would like to make Brazilian’s stay at the City ground permanent, but the Toffees could now scupper his plans.
There is a clear need for Sean Dyche to improve a number of areas in Everton’s squad and it would be a step in the right direction if they can pen a deal for Lodi this summer.
The Blues currently find themselves in the midst of yet another relegation battle after winning just five of their 24 opening Premier League games this season.
To have any chance of signing Lodi, you would think that the Merseyside club would have to survive the drop.
Saying that, Nottingham Forest are not clear of danger yet either, sitting just four points outside the relegation zone with a huge game against Everton on Sunday.
According to reports coming out of Spain, other big-name clubs have also registered an interest in Lodi, along with Everton and Forest, so Dyche will face competition for his target this summer.
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Everton could rival Forest for Lodi
The Toffees missed out on a number of key targets in January, leaving them as the only Premier League club now to make a signing in the winter window, despite selling Anthony Gordon to Newcastle for £40m.
This was a huge blow to Dyche, as he had allegedly been promised at least two new incomings when he agreed to take the job at Everton.
Now, he has a big job on his hands to keep his team in the top flight, with Forest, Leeds, West Ham, Southampton and Bournemouth all currently in danger.
If Everton do survive, they will want to avoid being in a similar position and bolstering their current squad will be key to that.
One area they seem to be looking at improving is the left-back position. This season, the Blues have relied heavily on Vitaliy Mykolenko, with Sporting Lisbon loanee Ruben Vinagre, who is also a left-back, failing to make a single Premier League appearance so far.
However, while Mykolenko is quite solid defensively, he doesn’t offer much going forward, so Lodi would be an upgrade on him in that sense.
This season, the Brazil international has made 20 appearances across all competitions for Forest, scoring one goal so far.
A versatile player, Lodi has the ability to play as a full-back or as a left-midfielder, so he could provide cover in a number of areas for Dyche.
However, as mentioned, Cooper is also keen to extend the player’s stay at Forest. Ultimately, Lodi’s next destination may come down to who survives the drop this season.
