View: ‘Big talent’ on Everton radar will help Ancelotti solve problem position
Everton have an interest in Norwich’s Max Aarons and the youngster could prove a valuable addition.
The England U21 international may only be in his third season as a professional but he has often caught the eye.
Clubs such as Tottenham and Manchester United have previously shown an interest in the 20-year-old, and now he is on the Toffees’ radar.
According to TEAMtalk, the Canaries face a battle to hold onto Aarons, while the outlet also suggests Carlo Ancelotti is keen to find a long-term replacement for Seamus Coleman.
The Irishman, 32, has 18 months left on his contract but his performances are dwindling.
This season he has managed just 0.6 interceptions and 0.9 successful dribbles per game, according to WhoScored.
Compare that to his career average of one interception and 1.3 dribbles per game, and it becomes clear that Coleman’s time at Goodison Park may be drawing to a close.
Ancelotti could call upon academy graduate Jonjoe Kenny, who enjoyed a successful loan spell at Schalke last season.
However, that would be a mistake.
Much of the Toffees’ improvement this season has been due to the Italian’s shrewd transfer business.
Summer signings James Rodriguez, Abdoulaye Doucoure and Kevin Godfrey have all performed well – with the latter arriving from Norwich.
Everton should revisit the Championship leaders by signing Aarons, who is younger than Kenny and already a better player.
Both players have played for England U21s, though it is Aarons who has been praised by Aidy Boothroyd.
“I think he’s a really big talent and again, like a lot of the players here, he’s nowhere near finished in his development,” said the England U21 manager, as quoted by Pink Un.
And his stats back up that talent, as does his £18m market value.
Aarons has acheived four interceptions per game this term, according to Wyscout.
Moreover, his attacking strength is highlighted by a pass success rate of 83%, as well as a return of 1.3 successful dribbles and 1.3 key passes.
That means he is the perfect modern full-back, and with 36 Premier League appearances last year he has the know-how to get up and running quickly.
In other Everton news, Kevin Campbell suggests that the club will be active in this transfer window.