Everton were keen on Southampton right-back Kyle Walker-Peters
Everton made late attempts to sign Southampton right-back Kyle Walker-Peters, according to The Telegraph journalist Mike McGrath.
The Toffees were looking to bring in another player in the position, but a move for Rangers sensation Nathan Patterson fell through despite two bids [Daily Record].
Everton put a contingency plan in place, though, asking about the availability of the 24-year-old former England youth international, but the Saints rejected them.
McGarth posted the transfer information on his personal Twitter account on Wednesday evening.
He said: “Everton made an enquiry for Kyle Walker-Peters in final days of the window.
“Southampton were not entertaining any deal.
“Also on ex-club Spurs radar before they moved for Emerson Royal.”
Miss
Rafa Benitez will have to stick with Seamus Coleman at right-back till at least January, but he could opt to play Mason Holgate and Ben Godfrey in the position too after Carlo Ancelotti deployed them there at times last season.
However, the Spaniard clearly wanted another natural player in the position, but Southampton were in no mood to entertain offers for the former Tottenham Hotspur man.
London-born Walker-Peters can also play as a left-back, featuring there in last weekend’s 2-2 draw with Newcastle United.
He ended last season with two assists in 30 Premier League games and did score one and assisted another in the Saints’ 8-0 demolition of Newport last month.
Everton would have landed for themselves a player capable of retiring Coleman, but their captain remains unchallenged for his starting berth, with Jonjoe Kenny not stepping up as many would have thought.
Benitez now has to wait until January before another opportunity to bring in a right-back, and more names are expected to have emerged by then.
In other Everton news, Toffees were dealt blow as major development ruled out potential last-gasp deal.
Be sure to follow Goodison News on Facebook and Twitter for 24/7 updates on Everton and more exclusive interviews with Kevin Campbell.