Hertha Berlin defender Marvin Plattenhardt is most likely to be the next Everton signing, according to Football Whispers.
The football site claim Bundesliga left-back, 26, could be headed to Goodison Park to become the first senior capture of the summer for Marco Silva’s side.
Football Whispers, which gathers all transfer rumours across the globe and calculates the likelihood of them happening, rates it 3.7 out of 5 that Plattenhard will join Everton, with five the highest possible ranking and meaning it is a certainty.
He heads the rankings ahead of RB Leipzig midfielder Emil Forsberg (3.6) and West Ham left-back Aaron Cresswell (3.3).
Good move for Everton?
Yes. Plattenhardt is a left-back of pedigree, experience and at an age where he is entering his peak. Everton are in desperate need for a left-back to succeed stalwart Leighton Baines, who could leave this summer after a couple of seasons interrupted by serious injury and inconsistent form. Plattenhardt is a left footer who is solid in defence and excellent going forwards, scoring seven goals and supplying 25 assists from 171 Bundesliga matches. Those are impressive numbers and he has also been capped six times at full Germany level, testament to his consistency and calibre. A proven performer, his name may be difficult to spell, but he is a logical choice as Baines replacement.
This Is Futbol rating 8/10
Likely to happen?
There is certainly a good chance. Everton were linked with Plattenhardt earlier in the summer and they are still on the lookout for a left-back to replace Baines. With Luke Shaw reported to have rejected a move to Goodison Park, this is a deal that could go through before the transfer window shuts.
This Is Futbol rating 6/10