OPINION
Ronald Koeman would ease his centre-back concerns at Everton by luring Tottenham defender Kevin Wimmer to Goodison Park before the end of the summer transfer window.
The Telegraph claimed earlier this week that West Brom were in talks with Spurs over a £15million move to sign the 24-year-old defender, who could be allowed to leave the north London club.
Spurs are close to completing a deal to sign Davinson Sanchez from Ajax, with only a work permit and a medical standing in the way of Spurs finally announcing the defender as one of their own.
That will see Wimmer fall even further down the pecking order behind Jav Vertonghen, Toby Alderweireld and Eric Dier as well as Sanchez, which should see Pochettino willing to sanction a sale.
Everton are competing on four fronts this season as they are just one step away from the group stages of the Europa League, after beating Hajduk Split in the first leg of the play-off round by two goals to nil.
Cover is needed in every position, but Koeman will know full well that the long-term injury sustained by Ramiro Funes Mori leaves him light at the heart of his defence.
The Argentina international suffered the problem while on national team duty in March and has now undergone surgery in Barcelona this summer to correct the problem.
However, that keeps him sidelined for the majority of the 2017-18 season, with Phil Jagielka and Ashley Williams both getting on.
Koeman has at times fielded a back three this season and with only three first-team central defenders available to him, he needs more.
Step forward Wimmer – he has shown himself to be prone to error at times, but with a regular run in the first team hw will be able to do a good job for the Toffees.
Classy on the ball, strong in the tackle and unbeatable in the air, the Austria international would be a signing that can be completed quickly with all parties likely to want a move.
Offering cover, Premier League and European experience and a deal that can be struck before the deadline, Wimmer is the perfect addition to Everton’s pursuit of finishing in the top six of England’s top flight.