Everton are targeting a move for versatile Montpellier right back Ruben Aguilar, according to Calcio Mercato.
The Italian outlet claims that the Toffees are joined by Premier League rivals Crystal Palace in coveting the 25-year-old, who has been a regular in Ligue 1 this season to help his side sit fifth in Ligue 1.
Marco Silva has yet to find a dependable right back in his time at Goodison Park, with Seamus Coleman enduring a below-par campaign and Jonjoe Kenny yet to fully convince as his replacement.
Aguilar has made 22 appearances in all competitions this term for Michel Der Zakarian’s side, scoring once and registering three assists. His starts have been fairly evenly split between right back and right midfield.
Good move for Everton?
On paper this seems like a very good move for Everton, yes. As mentioned, it’s been a struggle to find a consistent performer at right back this season.
Coleman doesn’t look like the irrepressible force that he used to, while Kenny has flattered to deceive at times in his absence. Neither are bad players but neither man has blown your hair back either.
It makes sense, then, for Silva to be looking elsewhere for a solution at the position. Aguilar seems to be a pretty good candidate. He is a respected Ligue 1 performer and has been a regular in the French top flight since joining Montpellier.
You can never be quite sure with players coming from foreign leagues, but he appears to be a pretty good candidate to fill a problem position for the Toffees.
This is Futbol rating: 7/10
Likely to happen?
Well, not until the summer, obviously. Palace will apparently provide some competition but Everton’s superior prestige and spending power should give them the edge in that tug of war.
It seems that, as long as Everton are genuinely interested in the player, there’s no reason why he shouldn’t wind up at Goodison Park.
This is Futbol rating: 6/10