OPINION
The long-term knee problem suffered by Everton defender Ramiro Funes Mori means Ronald Koeman needs to re-enter the summer transfer window for a new centre-back.
The BBC claims the 26-year-old will be sidelined between six and nine months after undergoing knee surgery in Barcelona to correct the problem, that was first sustained while on international duty with Argentina.
This Is Futbol has picked out one dream signing and a reality one that could help replace Funes Mori.
Reality signing: Winston Reid
The Daily Mail claimed towards the end of July that Koeman was keeping tabs on West Ham stopper Reid, who was one of the first names on the Hammers’ team sheet last season.
It is said that that the Merseyside outfit are lining up a £9million bid to sign the 29-year-old New Zealand international, with the injury of Funes Mori said to be fuelling Koeman’s search of a new defender.
One appearance shy of 150 Premier League appearances, the former FC Midtjylland is known or his commanding aura at the back and willingness to put his body on the line for the Hammers.
Bringing that to Everton would not only give them cover for Funes Mori, but a centre-back who would instantly become first choice alongside new £25million signing Michael Keane.
Here is an alternative to Reid that Everton could sign, with a move less likely as his club are reportedly are keen for him to put pen to paper on a new deal: