Fabrizio Romano: Everton end interest in Max Aarons and Merih Demiral
Everton have turned their attention away from defensive targets Max Aarons and Merih Demiral, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The journalist, who sometimes features on Sky Sports’ Transfer Talk, had recently claimed Everton were in advanced talks with Aarons but he now reports other targets are being sought.
As for Demiral, the Juventus centre-back has frequently been linked with a move to Goodison Park – Calciomercato said the Toffees were poised to make a bid for the 23-year-old last week.
Romano claims other clubs have joined the race to sign Aarons, but it is not clear if that development is the main driving force behind Everton ending their interest.
Possible targets?
Everton need a new right-back this summer and there have been a few names mentioned as alternatives to Aarons, so this update is not the end of the world.
Brighton’s Tariq Lamptey and Middlesbrough’s Djed Spence have both been linked by the Liverpool Echo and ESPN respectively.
They share similarities in that they’re young, pacy, and look to get forward, with both capable of playing at right wing-back.
The last characteristic gives them an advantage over Aarons, while Lamptey would also arrive with Premier League experience.
Both Lamptey and Spence have attracted interest from elsewhere so Marcel Brands will have to be ruthless.
We cannot afford to keep missing out on targets and hopefully we start making an approach for Lamptey soon, as he has impressed on the south coast.
A return of 1.2 dribbles and 1.5 tackles per game this season [WhoScored] shows there is a balance in his game and we think he could flourish under the guidance of Seamus Coleman.
In other Everton news, Alan Shearer has named an Everton player in his Premier League team of the week despite the loss to Aston Villa.
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