Everton set sights on signing k McKenMarzie after contract talks break down for USA defender

Everton are one of a number of Premier League clubs interested in signing Genk defender Mark McKenzie, according to Voetbal Nieuws.

The Belgian news outlet reported on its website on Wednesday (17 January) that the American international is also being eyed by fellow top-flight clubs West Ham and Brighton in the January transfer window.

It added that the 24-year-old centre-back, who has the same agent as Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Andre Gomes [Transfermarkt], held contract talks with the Belgian side last year, but that nothing concrete emerged from those conversations.

Interesting

This is an interesting development as Everton are one of a few Premier League sides who are plotting a potential move for McKenzie and his agent already has links to the club.

Although it’s a rival to compete with, the fact Brighton are also eyeing the defender means he’s someone worth tracking given their excellent record in the transfer market.

The problem for the Toffees, however, is the finances involved as the club are not going to be able to offer much – if anything – for players during this transfer window.

That means they are probably unlikely to take a punt on a relatively unknown quantity as Sean Dyche aims to keep them in the Premier League this season.

But with the American currently at a standstill in his contract negotiations with Genk, perhaps it could be a move that is worth revisiting in the summer when the Blues hope to be in a better position financially.