Everton have expressed an interest in signing Chelsea defender Baba Rahman on loan, according to the Daily Mail.
The newspaper claims that the Toffees have made contact about taking the 23-year-old to Goodison Park on a temporary basis as he returns to full fitness after 11 months out with injury.
It is understood that Sam Allardyce’s side want cover for Leighton Baines at left-back and have identified the Chelsea full-back as an option.
The report details that Schalke are keen on a January swoop for Rahmam, with the German club enjoying him on loan last season.
European clubs Monaco, Fenerbahce and Fiorentina have also been listed as potential suitors for the Ghana international.
Everton were reportedly frontrunners for Rahman’s signature in the summer transfer window before his injury long-term injury prevented a deal, but they are set to reignite their bid to sign him.
Good move for Everton?
Everton could do with some defensive reinforcements in January and Rahman would fit the bill for the Merseyside club.
Baines is beginning to go on the decline as he ages, while understudy Cuco Martina is not good enough to be his only replacement.
Rahman is a left-sided flyer that usually plays at full-back and is blessed with phenomenal pace.
He can also be used further forward on the wing and impressed during his loan at Schalke last season before his injury setback.
The defender has made 23 appearances for Chelsea since his arrival in 2015 and would be able to make an immediate impact at Everton.
This Is Futbol rating: 8/10
Likely to happen?
Rahman has been training with Antonio Conte’s Chelsea squad as he recovers from his layout and it is quite likely he will leave on loan in the New Year.
Everton have been listed as an interested club and could have an advantage over rivals given their opportunity to play Premier League football.
However, the left-back was performing well at German side Schalke before his knee injury and they have once again been listed as interested.
This Is Futbol rating: 3/10