Leeds should be on red alert as journalist says Everton star leaving on a free – Opinion

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Times journalist Paul Joyce has reported that Everton midfielder Tom Davies has rejected the chance to remain on Merseyside and sign a new deal, meaning he will leave them on a free transfer – and Leeds should be on red alert.

Davies, 24, is a Premier League midfielder. He has proven it, ever since breaking into his boyhood club’s senior side. Since his debut, he has clocked up 179 appearances for Everton, and even won a huge 23 caps for England U21’s.

But over the course of the last 12 months, his game time has declined. Just 20 appearances came his way during 2022-23, starting only four of 19 Premier League appearances. His £39,000-a-week deal will expire on June 30.

Joyce has now delivered an update. Taking to Twitter, he confirmed that Davies – who has just got married in Italy – will not sign a new deal and has rejected an offer from Everton. He has offers on the table, to sign him on a free.

Tom Davies rejects Everton deal and Leeds should be on red alert

At Leeds, midfielders are in short supply. Weston McKennie has returned to Juventus. Marc Roca is said to be close to a move to Real Betis. Half of the Premier League, if not more, have been linked with Tyler Adams at this point.

Adam Forshaw has technically, been released. Though, he has been invited back for pre-season and you imagine that whoever Leeds appoint as boss, will look to keep him. As things stand, though, Forshaw will also be leaving us.

So, first of all, Leeds desperately need midfield additions. Darko Gyabi and Archie Gray are next, and their combined age is not even 40. Leeds need two, maybe three to come in. Davies is the perfect signing, if not a little ambitious.

Tough tackling, hard-working, mixed with technically gifted and a wonderful passer of the ball – he would be the ideal replacement for Roca. Alongside a holding midfielder, Davies would be a real coup on a free. Leeds should try.