Everton are interested in potentially bringing Noussair Mazraoui to Goodison Park in the summer, according to reports.
The reports from Spain claim the right-back is set to leave Ajax in the next transfer window, with his contract set to expire at the end of June.
Would you like to see Mazraoui sign in the summer?
Yes
No
And having previously suggested it is highly unlikely he will look to extend his stay in Amsterdam, it leaves the door open for a move to the Toffees.
However, Frank Lampard’s side are believed to be just one of the Premier League sides holding an interest in the Moroccan, with Leicester City and Aston Villa also said to be keeping tabs on him.
With the 24-year-old already reportedly attracting the interest of the Merseysiders, how could his potential arrival at Goodison Park affect Lampard’s side?
Coleman replacement?
Now at the age of 33 years old, could the Ajax right-back be the potential long-term replacement for Seamus Coleman, with the Irishman set to enter the final year of his deal with Everton?
Coleman has been a fantastic servant for the Toffees over the years since joining Everton back in 2009 and racking up 368 appearances across all competitions to date (via Transfermarkt).
However, Everton’s defence has been a big issue this season in the Premier League, with 38 goals (the sixth-most) conceded after their 21 games.
Meanwhile, Mazraoui’s numbers in attack are at an all-time high this season, having established himself as a regular in Erik ten Hag’s starting XI.
At just 24 years of age, the Moroccan still has plenty of his best years ahead of him and is currently showing some impressive form in the Eredivisie, with five goals and two assists to his name, so if he was able to replicate that form at Everton, it could be argued that the Toffees would be on to a winner by signing Mazraoui up.
Patterson’s future in doubt?
Mazraoui is in fantastic form this season, so we are not overly surprised to hear that a number of Premier League clubs are showing interest in the 24-year-old.
However, we do find it slightly odd that Everton are one of the clubs believed to be interested given they have only recently completed the signing of right-back Nathan Patterson.
Just last month, Everton sealed the deal to bring Patterson to Merseyside from Rangers, with the young Scottish defender believed to be the future successor for Coleman.
But if Lampard was to bring in another new right-back, where would that leave Patterson’s future at Everton?
With one year remaining on Coleman’s contract at the end of the season, it would leave Everton with three right-backs looking to play under Lampard, and that would surely be a challenge to maintain positive morale among the two younger options.
In other news: Huge boost, Richarlison delighted: Key update emerges out of Everton – opinion