Phil Jagielka’s time at Everton seems to be coming to an end so they should look to sign Harry Maguire from Hull City as soon as they can.
Everton’s Phil Jagielka
Everton enjoyed an impressive first season under manager Ronald Koeman in 2016/17 and there are plenty of things for their fans to be excited about in the coming future.
However, there are also some key areas of the squad that need addressing in the transfer market over the summer. A new goalkeeper looks to be a priority, as does a striker if top-scorer Romelu Lukaku is tempted away from the club.
Everton’s Romelu Lukaku celebrates scoring their second goal
As well as that improvement is needed in central defence. Doubts remain over whether Ramiro Funes Mori has the quality needed to perform at Goodison Park, while a poor 12 months for club captain Phil Jagielka suggests that at 34-years-old, his best days are behind him.
Although now 32, Ashley Williams remains a solid Premier League centre-back, but he needs someone alongside him and perhaps Hull City’s Harry Maguire could fill that void.
The Mirror reports that the Toffees are in a two-way scrap with Tottenham Hotspur for a £22m deal to sign Maguire, who is keen to leave Hull following their relegation to the Championship.
Southampton’s Nathan Redmond in action with Hull City’s Harry Maguire
While Spurs can offer Champions League football they cannot offer a regular place in the starting XI, which could give Koeman the edge over Mauricio Pochettino.
A partnership of the experienced Williams and the promising Maguire – who received many plaudits in 2016/17 for his performances for the Tigers – could be the perfect riposte to a future without Jagielka.
Not only that, but having played in a three-man central defence at Hull, the 24-year-old could adapt should Koeman use a 3-4-3 formation again in 2017/18; something he was known to utilise at times last term.
Hull City’s Harry Maguire celebrates scoring their fourth goal
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