Reports suggest Everton are on the lookout for an understudy right-back in the summer.
With Seamus Coleman as consistent as ever, and closing in on the most prolific season of his career, the need for a new right-back at Everton doesn’t appear particularly pressing.
Yet, beyond the Republic of Ireland flyer, Ronald Koeman isn’t exactly blessed with options. Mason Holgate has made great strides at centre-back this season while Tony Hibbert couldn’t exactly stick around forever.
All of which makes reports in Le 10 Sport that Everton could take advantage of Bacary Sagna’s expiring contract at Manchester City rather less surprising.
At 34, his best years are most certainly behind him though his experience, consistency and ability to play on the right of a back-three, means he represents an intriguing short-term solution.
Certainly more so than Hull City right-back Ahmed Elmohamady. On paper at least. The Egyptian international may be five years Sagna’s junior but, having spent the majority of the last seven years scrapping for survival with Sunderland and Hull, he is hardly the kind of high-profile arrival majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri appears to crave.
Yet, the Yorkshire Post reported recently that The Toffees were mulling over a £4 million bid. And, according to the stats, the idea may be an astute one, if rather uninspiring.
Elmohamady averages far more crosses and completed dribbles per game while also accumulating a greater number of interceptions and tackles.
If Koeman wants a player with big game know-how, Sagna is the man. But if the albeit uber-fit Coleman was to suffer a long-term injury, Elmohamady could well soften the blow.
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