Everton want to sign ‘one of the most dangerous attacking defenders around’, £10m deal needed
Everton are in the market for a right-back, and they may have just found their perfect target for the January transfer window.
Jake O’Brien has been pushed out wide for the majority of the season, highlighting the lack of options David Moyes has in that position.
Nathan Patterson has returned to the starting line-up in recent weeks and put in an impressive performance as Everton beat Aston Villa 1-0 on Sunday.
However, it is clearly still an area that Moyes would like to address this month, and the Toffees have now entered a crowded race to sign an emerging star.
Everton race Premier League rivals for Ronan Kpakio
Everton are yet to make a single signing this month, even though Moyes is missing several key players at the moment.
The Scot should see some of his stars returning over the next few weeks, with Iliman Ndiaye and Idrissa Gueye on their way back from their successful Africa Cup of Nations campaign with Senegal, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall now in light training.
Moyes will still be hoping for some additions before the window closes, though, and according to Wales Online, Everton are in the race for Cardiff right-back Ronan Kpakio.
The 18-year-old already has six League One assists to his name in what has been an “explosive” breakout season, and has been described as “one of the most dangerous attacking defenders around”.
His devastating forward play has attracted the attention of Everton, but they will face strong competition for his signature.
Manchester United and Brentford are also in the race for Kpakio, as well as Stade Rennais, Nice and AC Milan.
It will reportedly take an eight-figure offer for Cardiff to consider letting the defender leave, meaning that the Toffees will have to fork out at least £10m to get the deal done.
Everton must eye further right-back signing
While Kpakio certainly has the potential to be a future star, the teenager has just 25 senior appearances to his name, with the majority of those coming in the third tier.
Moyes must surely be looking for someone who can come in and help the team out right now, as the Toffees continue their push for European football.
The Merseyside outfit are currently just three points adrift of fifth-placed Man United, who sit in what is likely to be the final Champions League spot.
| Position | Team | Games | Points |
| 5 | Man United | 22 | 35 |
| 6 | Chelsea | 22 | 34 |
| 7 | Brentford | 22 | 33 |
| 8 | Newcastle | 22 | 33 |
| 9 | Sunderland | 22 | 33 |
| 10 | Everton | 22 | 32 |
If Everton do get the Kpakio deal over the line, it cannot hinder any other attempts to bring in a starting right-back this month.
Stay up to date this winter with our Everton transfer tracker. Click to see every done deal at Hill Dickinson, plus expert reaction from our team of writers.