Everton ready loan-to-buy deal for left-back after Liverpool transfer news
Everton are working on a loan-to-buy deal to sign Rennes full-back Adrien Truffert, according to the Daily Mail.
The newspaper reported via its website [2 February] that Liverpool and Manchester United were following the Frenchman’s development but their interest waned as Rennes’ season faltered.
Truffert impressed Premier League legend Thierry Henry with some of his performances, having played for his Olympic team in the summer, and also has a full international cap, prompting interest in him on Merseyside.
Everton want competition for Vitaliy Mykolenko
It is a very wise idea to bring in a talented full-back, one who can play as a backup to Vitaliy Mykolenko and give the Ukrainian a well-earned rest.
The 25-year-old’s absence last season was a huge blow for the Toffees, with few other players in the squad really able to fill his shoes, but that might be about to change.
Truffert has started 16 of Rennes’ 19 league matches this season, and while they have slipped into the relegation qualification spot, the left-back’s performances have remained constant.
With four goal contributions in his last two league campaigns, he has the ability to help the Toffees in the final third as well as aid Jarrad Branthwaite and James Tarkowski in defence.
Some supporters might be wary of the Frenchman’s lack of discipline on occasion, already picking up three yellow cards after another six last term, but his quality on the ball cannot be ignored.
If Arsenal legend, Henry, has given his stamp of approval on the player, there is absolutely no reason for Moyes to turn down a last-gasp deal for the solid 23-year-old.
The Merseysiders certainly put defence first, with only Liverpool, Arsenal and Nottingham Forest conceding fewer goals this season, and Truffert will only make the back four stronger.
In other Everton news, the Toffees are set to complete a new signing within hours, the first of multiple late arrivals.
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