Everton do U-turn on Aaron Wan-Bissaka deal - but approach lined up for huge upgrade

Everton's need to sign a new right-back has seen West Ham star Aaron Wan-Bissaka linked with a move to Merseyside.

As it stands, Nathan Patterson is the only out-and-out right-back on the books at Hill Dickinson Stadium after Seamus Coleman left

Jake O'Brien is an option for the Toffees, however, his height and defensive characteristics mean that the Ireland international should be preferred in a central role at the back.

Due to the need to bolster this area of the squad, Wan-Bissaka's name is one that has been floated in recent weeks, with Goodison News relayed information in June that suggested that Everton's interest in the DR Congo was the most advanced.

Wan-Bissaka's future looks certain to be away from West Ham following their relegation from the Premier League last season.

While there's still plenty of time to go before the summer transfer window shuts, movement has started to emerge in regards to where the London-born right-back could find himself.

Everton's surprise change of heart

According to the Daily Mail on Monday, Everton are no longer pursuing a deal for Wan-Bissaka.

Despite the fact this is a player who has over 230 Premier League appearances for Manchester United, Crystal Palace and West Ham - as well as 16 caps for DR Congo - the Toffees seem to be passing up the opportunity to strike a deal.

As a result, it appears Everton's decision has opened the door for rival bidders to show their interest in the Hammers full-back, nicknamed The Spider.

The Mail claims that Lazio are now keen on the right-back, but Arsenal are also viewing him as a potential option to beef up their defensive ranks this summer.

With a top Serie A club and the Premier League champions eyeing a deal for Wan-Bissaka, Everton's decision to pull the plug on their pursuit has become all the more baffling.

But is it because they have another trick up their sleeve when it comes to replacing the void left by Coleman?

Which right-back do Everton want to sign instead?

Fortunately, Evertonians won't feel any regret for not going after Wan-Bissaka thanks to news that the club is pursuing a deal for Tottenham full-back Djed Spence.

Although Spence, 25, was arguably England's best World Cup player while serving as a left-back, the versatile Spurs star is someone who can play just as well on the right-hand side of the defence.

According to Football Insider, Everton are set to make an approach to sign Spence due to the news that he's likely to drop down Roberto De Zerbi's pecking order next season.

Not only did Spence stood up well to some of the best attackers in the world while representing the Three Lions this summer, he consistently provided an attacking outlet for Thomas Tuchel's side and could be a perfect fit for a Moyes set-up that sees a lot of pressure being soaked up.