A report has emerged linking the Toffees with a potential transfer offer for Ajax’s Argentine left-back Nicolas Tagliafico, with Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Leicester City also in the race.
According to Le 10 Sport, Carlo Ancelotti’s outfit have joined the race to sign the 27-year-old defender from the Dutch giants.
The report also touts that three other clubs are potential destinations for Tagliafico – those being Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Leicester City.
Chelsea’s and PSG’s preferred left-back signing would be FC Porto’s Alex Telles, however, Ajax’s Argentine is seen as a backup option by both, according to the report.
However, it is thought that Tagliafico is ‘almost certain’ to leave de Godenzonen in the next transfer window.
It is alleged that any departure of the 27-year-old from the Johan Cruyff Arena would set the buyer back €25 million (£22.3m).
TIF Thoughts…
Put bluntly, unless Lucas Digne is set to leave the Toffees in the next transfer window, this move seems quite unlikely for the Toffees due to already having two capable left-backs.
While Leighton Baines’ contract is set to expire at the end of this month (per Transfermarkt), it has already been reported that he has been offered a new contract at Goodison Park (per The Guardian).
Furthermore, Digne has a contract which has three seasons left to run following the end of this term (per Transfermarkt).
Who would you rather have as starting left-back for the Toffees next season?Digne
Baines
Tagliafico
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However, a move for Tagliafico could be seen as an upgrade on what the Toffees already have in the left-back position when considering their average ratings this season.
While Digne has been Everton’s second-best performer in the Premier League this season with a 7.12/10 average rating, Baines has been the club’s sixth-best performer with a 6.78/10 (per WhoScored) – and the Argentine betters both.
Despite having been Ajax’s eighth-best performer this season, he has earned an impressive 7.30/10 average rating in the Eredivisie this season (per WhoScored).
Moreover, being considered strong at ball interceptions, Tagliafico may improve the Toffees being ‘very weak’ in defending against through ball attacks, as per WhoScored’s analysis.
However, as stated, the move does seem unlikely if both Digne and Baines are to remain at the club.