Everton need to identify Seamus Coleman successor – report
Everton should start their search for Seamus Coleman’s successor at right-back, according to the Liverpool Echo.
The 33-year-old has made 358 appearances for the club since joining from Sligo Rovers for £60,000 in 2009; he is now in his 13th season at Goodison Park.
But despite being in the twilight years of his career, Coleman continues to be a regular for both the Toffees and the Republic of Ireland, captaining both teams.
The Liverpool Echo suggest that Everton could be concerned about the number of international matches he is committing himself to, with no sign that he is set to retire from Ireland duty.
The report adds that right-back was a “priority position” for the club in the summer as they seek to find Coleman’s successor, but they failed to sign anyone that fitted the bill despite being linked with Dutch international Denzel Dumfries, who eventually joined Inter Milan.
More competition needed
Former Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti suggested that Coleman could go on playing until he is 40, but surely the Irishman’s body will only allow him to continue competing as regularly as he is for only a season or two longer.
The Toffees need to find a younger alternative at right-back who will not necessarily become a regular straight away, but who will be ready to step into Coleman’s shoes in the next couple of years.
24-year-old Jonjoe Kenny is the current understudy, but he is expected to leave the club at the end of his contract next year and was not even picked when Coleman was injured earlier in the season; it was centre-back Ben Godfrey who was asked to deputise on the right.
Everton are still being cautious in the transfer market due to Financial Fair Play rules, but high on their shopping list should certainly be more competition for their captain.
In other Everton news, this Toffees defender is being watched very close with a major exit on the cards
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