How Everton could land discounted Ridle Baku deal in January

Everton looked at signing RB Leipzig right-back Ridle Baku in the summer window.

However, in the end, Ainsley Maitland-Niles would come through the door as the right-back signing.

David Moyes' squad, though, is still quite light in that area of the pitch, with another option certainly needed.

The likes of Jake O'Brien and Merlin Rohl have had to be used out of position which is far from ideal.

But a return for Baku should not be out of the question in January.

While a summer move ultimately failed, a more attractive and possible market opportunity could arise with the German.

Why Ridle Baku can be cheaper for Everton in January

At the start of August, Baku emerged as a name on Everton's right-back shortlist.

However, little emerged on that front with the trail ultimately going cold on the pursuit of the German.

There was no offer made for the RB Leipzig defender, and no value mentioned, but internally, the Toffees would have had an idea of what a move may have cost.

Now, with Baku remaining with the Bundesliga side, the opportunity to strike a bargain deal could arise in January.

The 28-year-old is in the final year of his contract, and if a new agreement is not reached by January, Leipzig may look to bring in funds.

Everton would be put on alert in the winter window, with a decision to make over a move or perhaps line up an even better cost-effective deal.

Everton could agree a pre-contract with the German international if they feel they can afford to wait a few more months for another right-back option.

Baku would be allowed to go into pre-agreement talks with six months left on his deal.

Why Baku is an appealing option for Everton and how much he is worth now

Baku is a starting right-back for a team that have qualified and will be playing in the Champions League this season.

That level of quality is something Moyes' squad could certainly do with moving forward.

According to Transfermarkt, Baku is currently valued at £10.3million at the moment.

So, as the months go by, and his future continues to remain unclear, that value should begin to drop ahead of January.

And it could see Everton strike a deal in the single-digit millions.

A bargain move could be in the offing, and particularly in an area that desperately needs another body.