Report: Everton are interested in SC Freiburg defender Keven Schlotterbeck
Everton are chasing the signature of SC Freiburg defender Keven Schlotterbeck, according to respected German journalist Christian Falk.
The winter transfer window has only just shut but already rumours are starting to surface of clubs eyeing summer swoops and it looks like the Blues are no different.
Falk’s personal Twitter account has over 200,000 followers and he told them that Everton are ‘interested’ in Schlotterbeck.
He appeared on Bild Live [12/02/21] to discuss the news and when asked if the Blues were indeed interested in Schlotterbeck he said: “It’s true but a bit surprising.
“They are aware of him because of his solid displays in the Bundesliga, and his low fee makes him an attractive option.
“Maybe they looked at Leeds, they got Robin Koch from Freiburg and he has proved to be a brilliant defender.”
Room for one more?
This is an interesting one given the depth of centre-backs currently at the club.
With a fearsome foursome of Yerry Mina, Michael Keane, Ben Godfrey and Mason Holgate already battling it out for two positions it does not seem like a priority position for the Blues this summer, with full-back and wingers of much more importance.
However recent displays have raised question marks over Mina and Keane with the Blues conceding seven goals in their last two outings while Holgate has generally been preferred at right-back this season.
So how does Schlotterbeck stack up in the Bundesliga this season?
According to Wyscout only three players make more interceptions per 90 minutes than his 7.92 while he also ranks in the top 30 for aerial duel success (57.89%).
Schlotterbeck blocks a shot once per 90 which is the sixth-highest average in the Bundesliga.
An 86% pass completion also shows he is tidy on the ball and could be a perfect fit for the Premier League with a combination of technique and defensive nous.
One to keep an eye on as the Blues start to leak goals at an alarming rate.
In other Everton news, Carlo Ancelotti says this key player will sign a new contract next week.