Is Everton's interest in Riqui Puig a distraction technique to secure Andre Gomes?

By Mathew Nash

Everton have been linked with a move for Riqui Puig. The talented young Barcelona star has been compared to Andres Iniesta and has recently been in the Barcelona first-team picture.

The Sunday Mirror (16/12/2018; pg 65) suggests Everton want to use their current Barcelona links to bring in the player.

However, to do so would mean getting the better of Tottenham Hotspur. Spurs are known to be big fans of the player. Last May, Sport suggested that Spurs were on the brink of signing the player. Unfortunately, he signed a new deal at Barca with a €100 million (£89 million). Recently, Pochettino was spotted watching Barcelona B in action. Puig was reportedly the reason why.

BARCELONA, SPAIN – DECEMBER 05: Riqui Puig of FC Barcelona conducts the ball during the Copa del Rey fourth round second leg match between FC Barcelona and Cultural Leonesa at Camp Nou on December 05, 2018 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

So is this ‘interest’ from Everton a clever ploy?

Everton also want to sign Andre Gomes from Barcelona. The Toffees have the Portuguese international on loan and he has been excellent for the club.

Everton, however, now have competition. As reported by the Daily Mail, Tottenham will battle Everton for his signature.

Perhaps, Everton are hoping that forcing Tottenham’s hand into signing Puig, in their current financial position, will leave them out of the running for Gomes. That would leave Everton free to try and secure his permanent move in January.

It is just a theory, but it could secure Everton their current midfield maestro permanently.