Everton are checking on Preston’s young defender Josh Earl, according to the Sun.
The newspaper claims that the Toffees director of football Steve Walsh has been to watch the 18-year-old in action in the Championship.
It is understood that the Merseyside club are planning for a long-term replacement to left-back Leighton Baines and are eyeing the Preston full-back.
The report details that Everton’s chase has been momentarily slowed down as the 6ft 5in defensive colossus has damaged his knee ligaments.
Earl is a product of the Preston academy and has just 12 senior appearances under his belt, but has impressed since making his first-team breakthrough this season.
Good move for Everton?
Everton certainly need to start to think about life without Baines, who has been an outstanding servant at left-back.
Earl is a promising young talent that only made his senior debut this season and has already become a mainstay in the side, before his injury setback.
The teenager is clearly a big physical presence and is someone that looks like he could make the step up to the top flight in the future.
Baines should still have a good couple of years in him, but bringing in Earl as his understudy to help his development could be a smart move.
This Is Futbol rating: 6/10
Likely to happen?
Everton’s interest in the Preston youngster seems real and they are in desperate need of an additional left-back in the next transfer window.
Walsh has made a named for himself of picking up talented players, but his reputation has been damaged following Everton’s failed summer signings.
Earl certainly fit the bill of an Everton signing and they are always keen to promote youngsters at Goodison Park.
This Is Futbol rating: 5/10