Speaking on TalkSport, reporter Alex Crook revealed that Everton have been linked with Real Madrid defender Lucas Vazquez.
The versatile 29-year-old is capable of playing on the wing or at full-back but has primarily been deployed in defence this season as Zinedine Zidane has been without injured pair Dani Carvajal and Alvaro Odriozola for large chunks of the campaign.
However, the Los Blancos academy graduate’s current contract is set to expire over the summer and has reportedly rejected the new deal that Madrid have offered him.
It’s led to several top teams across the continent being linked with Vazquez’s signature and, according to Crook, Everton are the latest one.
He said: “One other player they’ve been mentioned within the Spanish media is Lucas Vazquez at Real Madrid, although from what I’m told, he would prefer a move either to another Spanish club or to Valencia.
“But what it does show when those type of names are being linked, Carlo Ancelotti means business, and I think it’s an exciting time for Everton.”
TIF Thoughts on Vazquez…
Seamus Coleman has been a fantastic servant to Everton, making over 300 appearances for the club since joining for just £60k some 13 years ago, but the 32-year-old’s best days are arguably behind him.
The Republic of Ireland international has suffered from a string of injuries this season, meaning centre-backs Mason Holgate and Ben Godfrey have had to fill in at right-back in his absence.
Therefore, a move for Vazquez this summer may make sense for Ancelotti, although the former Bayern Munich and Chelsea boss may have his work cut out to convince the Madrid man to join the Goodison Park outfit as he’s reportedly holding out for a club who can offer Champions League football.