Everton nears deal for Freiburg midfielder Merlin Rohl

Everton are actively pursuing a transfer deal for 23-year-old Freiburg midfielder Merlin Rohl ahead of the closing of the summer transfer window. Manager David Moyes has targeted Rohl to bolster the midfield, especially with Idrissa Gueye expected to be absent for the Africa Cup of Nations in December, and the club is also seeking defensive reinforcements. Everton's bid for West Ham's Tomas Soucek was rejected, making Rohl their primary midfield target, with talks ongoing over a £20 million deal that could be either permanent or a loan with an obligation to buy. Rohl, a versatile and technically skilled player capable of playing as a No 8 or 10 and even at left-back, has been on Everton's radar for over a year and is currently in England to complete the move pending a medical. The club, which has already signed multiple players this summer including Jack Grealish and Tyler Dibling, is racing against the transfer deadline to finalize the deal and potentially have Rohl available for their next Premier League match against Aston Villa. Additionally, Everton may loan out academy graduate Harrison Armstrong if Rohl's transfer is completed.