Everton boss Sam Allardyce should be eyeing Patrick van Aanholt.
Everton have confirmed the appointment of Sam Allardyce as their new manager, handing him a contract until the summer of 2019.
The Toffees have endured a dismal start to the season with just four wins in 14 Premier League games, and over a month after sacking Ronald Koeman, Allardyce is in as his replacement.
Whilst Allardyce will now take the next month to analyse his squad at Goodison Park, he has been a smart operator in the transfer market for many years, and may look to January for new signings.
One problem Allardyce will find is that Leighton Baines is not the player he was, and with Cuco Martina and Luke Garbutt the only cover, a long-term replacement for the former England ace – who turns 33 this month – is needed.
In the last January transfer window, Allardyce splashed the cash in order to reunite with left back Patrick van Aanholt, taking the Dutchman to Crystal Palace having worked with him at Sunderland.
Van Aanholt told the London Evening Standard after his move to Selhurst Park that the deal – which cost £12million (The Guardian) – was what he wanted as soon as he saw Allardyce take the job, and some may now wonder whether the same will happen again at Everton.
The Dutchman isn’t enjoying the greatest season with the struggling Eagles, but his attacking ability and pace may make him the ideal replacement for Baines, with Allardyce’s trust in the former Chelsea youngster making him a sensible target.
At 27, Van Aanholt can immediate step in for a number of years if needed, and with Allardyce working with him at his last two clubs, another reunion may not be the worst idea in the world, given Baines’ struggles this term.
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