The left-back was one of the Sunderland boss’s final Everton signings.
David Moyes’ Sunderland recruitment has so far adhered to one very distinctive primary theme.
Since Moyes took the reins in July, more than half of the 11 players to arrive at the Stadium of Light had previously been managed by the Scot.
And it’s perhaps not unrealistic to assume that the six of those could soon be joined by a couple more of Everton or Manchester United descent.
Joleon Lescott (right) is the latest former Everton player to link up with David Moyes’ Sunderland
But with a squad in need of patching up and little money with which to do it, Moyes has been left, seemingly, with little choice but to sell key man Patrick van Aanholt to Crystal Palace – a relegation rival no less.
With no natural successor in the Mackems’ ranks, at least not at senior level, the chances are they will be seeking a replacement in the final seven days of the winter transfer window – and you don’t need to join up too many dots to conclude that Everton’s Bryan Oviedo could be the answer.
Everton’s Bryan Oviedo in action
The Costa Rican became one of Moyes’ final Everton recruits in August 2012, but has barely featured this season and was quoted as saying by the Sun, of all newspapers, that he’s considering his options – although he later admitted that leaving the club could be difficult this month.
It is hard to imagine, though, that A) Moyes wouldn’t at least enquire as to the 26-year-old’s availability, and B) Everton would dig their heels to keep him, especially now Luke Garbutt has returned from a spell at Wigan.
Alternatively, Sunderland could always move for latter instead – after all, Moyes signed him as well.
Is Everton’s Oviedo a suitable Van Aanholt replacement?
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