Everton are keen on a move for Hertha Berlin left-back Marvin Plattenhardt, according to Sky Sports News.
Plattenhardt, who also plays for the German international team, is on duty this summer at the Russian World Cup, so will have a chance to showcase his talents.
The defender has played for Hertha Berlin since 2014, and has earned well over 100 appearances for the Bundesliga club.
It is understood that Watford were also interested in the 26-year-old, so Everton must move quickly if they are to land his signature.
Plattenhardt is an attack-minded defender that likes to go forward and also a set-piece specialist with a wand of a left foot.
Good move for Everton?
Yes.
Everton does possess some quality talent at the left-back position, with longtime club servant Leighton Baines pinning down the position for the past decade.
However, he is not getting any younger, and the once promising Brandon Galloway has failed to impress when given the chance.
Plattenhardt is an international calibre defender, who has been selected by the current World champions to play for them this summer; which shows the gulf in class from Everton’s current left-back players.
This Is Futbol rating – 8/10.
Likely to happen?
Potentially.
Although there are other Premier League clubs keeping tabs on the 26-year-old, Sky Sports reports that Watford are close to agreeing to a deal for Adam Masina instead.
Marco Silva has the World Cup in the way, so any deal is likely to be after the tournament has finished, which could be late on given Germany’s recent success.
Plattenhardt is a bonafide starter in Berlin, and this is part of the reason that he has been selected to represent Germany this summer, so having to battle with Baines could be an off-putting factor in this deal.
This Is Futbol rating – 5/10.