£5m fee stopped Ezri Konsa heading to Everton, Toffees should pay that in summer

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In January Everton looked to be in pole position to sign Charlton Athletic youngster Ezri Konsa. The talented defender has become a regular in the Charlton first-team. He has already featured in 78 first-team fixtures for the League One side since making his debut in August 2016. Reports this week have detailed that interest however, and explained why Konsa did not end up at Everton.

The Liverpool Echo explain that whilst Everton were keen on signing the player the Merseyside club were simply not ready to pay £5 million for the player, which was the Addicks’ asking price.

But Everton should not be put off by such a price-tag. Konsa, who is pals with current Everton talent Ademola Lookman, would be an excellent addition to the Everton fold.

The 19-year-old, who won the Under-20 World Cup with England in the summer, is a player of immense talent. An athletic and intelligent central defender Konsa has all the attributes to go on and become a top Premier League defender if given the right opportunity.

Everton would be the perfect place for him to develop. Other young Football League recruits such as John Stones, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Mason Holgate have become first-team players at Everton after making respective switches. Playing under David Unsworth with the Everton youngsters would help Konsa develop even further.

Konsa is already showing an ability beyond his fragile years. Not only would he be an asset for Unsworth’s under-23 side, but Everton could easily consider him a first-team option given their current centre-back issues.

Charlton, who are currently in behind the scenes turmoil and looking short of League One promotion, may not be so bullish about his price-tag in the summer. But if it remains at £5 million then Everton should still not flinch, and bring Konsa to Finch Farm.