Everton manager Ronald Koeman reportedly wanted Kieran Trippier when he was Southampton boss. It’s now reported that Koeman could bring the defender to Everton from Tottenham as cover for Seamus Coleman.
If reports were to be believed, Everton were aiming to reinforce their options at right-back even before Seamus Coleman’s sickening leg break. Yet, the Irishman’s long-term absence means The Toffees will need to step up their search, The Sun reports, with reported targets Bacary Sagna and Ahmed Elmohamady no longer looking to fit the bill.
The complications that can occur after such a serious injury, not to mention to need to recover full match fitness, means it could be some time before Coleman is ready to feature regularly in the Everton starting XI again.
Tottenham Hotspur’s understudy right-back Kieran Trippier, however, could be the ideal candidate to replicate the Ireland captain’s attacking verve and superb deliveries.
The 26-year-old may have only started two Premier League games this season, but that is more a consequence of Kyle Walker’s superb form. Meanwhile, Trippier’s stand-out performances in Tottenham’s march to the FA Cup semi-finals have only reinforced the notion that he would be an undisputed starter in most other Premier League sides.
It would be no big surprise, therefore, if Everton were to pay the reported £12 million asking price at the end of the season.
According to the Daily Mail, Koeman has wanted to sign the right-back since as far back as 2015. The newspaper claims that the Dutchman had identified Trippier as the ideal replacement for Liverpool-bound Nathanial Clyne at the end of his first season with Southampton.
The former Manchester City youngster had proven his worth in an impressive campaign with Burnley, his ability to whip a pin-point cross from a standing start and his rampaging forward bursts catching the attention of a number of top flight clubs.
In the end, however, Tottenham Hotspur completed the deal. Two years on, however, Koeman may finally get his man.
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