Everton are exploring a deal to sign Aston Villa and England youth international Tim Iroegbunam.
The 20-year-old made the move to Villa Park from West Bromwich Albion in July 2021 but has struggled for game time in the Midlands and made just 19 first-team appearances for the club in three years.
As reported on Monday, the Blues are interested in signing Iroegbunam and bolster their midfield ranks after Andre Gomes and Lewis Warrington departed the club at the end of the season.
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Ahead of a potential move to Goodison Park later this summer, the ECHO looks at Iroegbunam’s career to date.
Who has Iroegbunam played for?
Hailing from the West Midlands, Iroegbunam began his career with Sutton United before joining West Brom. During his time at the Hawthorns, the midfielder was named in the match-day squad once at the end of the 2020-21 campaign.
Iroegbunam spent the 2022-23 season on loan at Championship side Queens Park Rangers. In total, he played 32 games for the West London side as they finished 20th in England’s second tier.
At international level, the midfielder has represented England at under-19s and under-20s level.
What position does Iroegbunam play?
Iroegbunam plays primarily as a central midfielder, with 55 of his 113 appearances across youth and first-team football coming in that position. However, he has also played in a defensive midfield position on 27 occasions.
What has Steven Gerrard had to say on Iroegbunam?
Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has previously gone on record to praise Iroegbunam, who he oversaw the development over during his time as Aston Villa manager.
Speaking after Villa’s 0-0 draw with Leicester City in April 2022, Gerrard hailed Iroegbunam’s maturity and backed him for a bright future at Villa Park.
“He played with calmness and maturity and he’s going to be looking at me all week for more game time now,” said Gerrard. “He’s a top professional. He’s in the gym before training, he’s in the gym after.
“He needs to come out of his shell, he needs to find his voice because now he’s in men’s football and we think the world of him, he’s got a big future here. But it’s my job to keep managing his game time, to prepare him for a big career.”