Everton eye Ola Aina transfer as Sean Dyche stance emerges
Everton could turn to Nottingham Forest star Ola Aina to solve their right-back issues.
David Moyes is keen on a new option on the right side of defence, as the Hill Dickinson Stadium outfit have relied on Jake O’Brien so far this season.
The Irishman is naturally a centre-back and lacks the typical attacking nature of a traditional right-back, with Seamus Coleman and Nathan Patterson being injury-prone.
A report from Sportsboom on 13 January claims that the Blues are looking at Aina to bolster the position, who currently plays for their former manager Sean Dyche.
Will Dyche allow Ola Aina to make Everton transfer?
Dyche took over at Forest just nine months after his Everton exit, and he could hamper the Toffees attempts to sign the Nigerian defender.
The report states that the 54-year-old is determined to keep Aina, who returned from injury recently, at all costs, and stop any potential deal.
It states that the Merseyside clubs’ recruitment team have an extensive shortlist, including the likes of Ben White, Emil Holm and Vanderson.
What would Everton be getting from Aina?
The 29-year-old is a seasoned operator at the Premier League level.
He has made 96 appearances in the English top-flight and also has 102 matches in Serie A, significant experience in two of the biggest leagues in Europe.
That would mean that he would likely fit in at Finch Farm easily, and would be one of the most qualified players in the squad.
He has only featured five times this season, so it is not fair to use his stats from the campaign, as they will not reflect his true ability.
In the 2024-25 campaign, the Forest star created three big chances across the season, made 2.22 expected assists, and recorded just one actual assist, per Sofascore.
In terms of his defending, Aina made 5.4 ball recoveries per game, 1.6 tackles per game and won 54 per cent of his total duels.
Therefore, he would likely bring defensive solidity, but lack the attacking ability that the Blues are desperately needing at the moment.
If Dyche is not willing to sanction a deal, it may be a blessing in disguise for the Merseysiders.
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