According to reports in The Guardian, West Ham United are reportedly lining up a loan move to bring out of favour Borussia Dortmund forward Andre Schurrle to the London Stadium during the January transfer window.
The Guardian says that the former Chelsea attacker is looking to play regularly in order to earn a spot in Germany’s World Cup squad next summer, with Irons boss David Moyes considering making an offer to sign the 27-year-old on a temporary basis.
Meanwhile, Everton have won three and drawn three in the six Premier League matches that Sam Allardyce has taken charge off since being appointed as Ronald Koeman’s successor last month, and they have moved from the relegation zone to ninth position in that time.
Nevertheless, the Toffees manager won’t be satisfied with his squad and will want to make a couple of additions in the New Year, with reports already suggesting that they have agreed a £25m deal to sign Besiktas striker Cenk Tosun.
However, he might not be the last attacking addition to arrive at Goodison Park next month and bringing Schurrle to the Merseyside could prove to be a shrewd move.
Here are three reasons Everton should hijack West Ham’s bid to sign Schurrle on loan…
Premier League experience
Having seen the likes of Davy Klaassen and Sandro Ramirez fail to make much of an impact at Everton following their arrivals from Ajax and Malaga respectively during the summer, Sam Allardyce may want at least some of his potential January additions to have some Premier League experience.
While Schurrle would be arriving from Borussia Dortmund, he has good knowledge of the English top flight having played 44 times in it across two seasons for Chelsea between 2013 and 2015, and that prior know-how would help him to settle into life quickly at Goodison Park.
His qualities
While he has never been truly prolific during his career – which is no surprise given he has often played out wide as a versatile attacker – Schurrle has also shown that he can score goals when he is handed a regular opportunity in the starting line-up.
The 27-year-old netted 11 goals in 44 Premier League appearances for Chelsea, which was a pretty decent record considering the majority of his outings came from the substitutes’ bench.
The Germany international – who has an impressive 22 goals in 57 games for his country – likes to dribble, and according to WhoScored.com his main strengths are his finishing and holding on to the ball.
Point to prove
Having only made one Bundesliga start and one brief substitute appearance in the Champions League this season, Schurrle will certainly have a point to prove to Borussia Dortmund if he does join Everton on loan during the January transfer window.
Knowing that a place in the Germany squad is up for grabs in what could potentially be the 27-year-old’s last chance to go to a World Cup with his country should also be a huge motivation, and ensure that he is at his best during his time at Goodison Park in the second-half of the campaign.
Do you agree, Toffees fans? Let us know below.