Thelwell ‘boost’ over £60k-a-week star after ‘real masterstroke’

Everton director of football Kevin Thelwell will ‘boost’ the Toffees’ chances of being able to tempt Wolverhampton Wanderers into sanctioning Daniel Podence’s move to Goodison Park, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

Thelwell moved into the role behind the scenes in February, having previously held a similar position with the Toffees’ Premier League rivals.

What’s the latest news involving Podence?

Having already lured Conor Coady away from Molineux on a season-long loan during the summer transfer window, it seems Everton are preparing to head back to the West Midlands in a bid to conclude another deal.

That is because, according to Football Insider, the Toffees are interested in Podence after working his way onto the radar of the club’s recruitment team.

The report suggests the one-cap Portugal international’s agent, Jorge Mendes, will look to find a new club in the coming months and Everton are in the market for versatile attackers.

Podence is set to enter the final year-and-a-half of his £60,000-per-contract at the turn of the year, meaning January could be the perfect opportunity for Wolves to cash-in unless they are hoping to negotiate fresh terms.

The winger joined his current employers in a £16.9million deal from Greek giants Olympiacos in 2020, just days before Thelwell left Molineux for New York Red Bulls.

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What has Pete O’Rourke said about Podence?

O’Rourke believes Thelwell’s contacts at Wolves could play into Everton’s hands as they look to tie up a deal for Podence.

The journalist feels the 49-year-old Welshman has already shown that he is capable of luring Wolves’ star men to Merseyside after signing Coady a matter of months ago.

O’Rourke told GIVEMESPORT: “I think Thelwell’s close relationship with Wolves can only help in their pursuit of Podence.

“We’ve already seen how well he’s worked that relationship in the summer to help Everton sign Conor Coady on loan from Wolves and that looks like a real masterstroke right now.

“He’s been a key man for Frank Lampard’s side, so I think Thelwell’s connections with Wolves will only boost their chances of a potential deal for Podence.”

Would Podence be a good signing for Everton?

Although Podence has not enjoyed a goal-laden start to the season, he is currently in a Wolves side struggling towards the foot of the Premier League table.

He has previously earned comparisons to Eden Hazard, who Everton boss Lampard will know well from his time at Chelsea, and that should not be underestimated.

Podence has also shown his versatility during his time with Wolves, having been deployed on both wings, as an advanced midfielder and a striker, so he would give the Toffees plenty of options.

Everton spent £20million on Dwight McNeil during the summer transfer window, but statistics show that the 27-year-old could be a quickfire upgrade on the former Burnley man.

That is because Podence averaged more goals, assists, shots on target and a better pass completion rate last season, meaning he would be a shrewd acquisition.

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