Everton are reportedly close to completing deal for Boca Juniors defender Frank Fabra.
Everton are reportedly closing in on the £4.5million capture of Colombia international Frank Fabra from Boca Juniors in a move that will finally solve their woes at left-back – and simultaneously end Luke Garbutt’s dismal Toffees spell.
Italian outlet CalcioNapoli24 claim that Everton are set to beat Italian giants Napoli to Fabra’s signature, with Everton’s first peak at their new man likely to come at the World Cup when he represents his country.
A 17-time international, Fabra has been in impressive form for Boca this season with two goals and three assists in 20 league and cup outings. He has also shown defensive prowess by helping his side keep 12 clean sheets in those games.
The Toffees have been crying out for a new left-back for some time, with Leighton Baines’ long-term absence due to a calf problem this season highlighting the need for a new defender on the left side of the defence.
Cuco Martina has filled in, while January loan signing Eliaquim Mangala has already suffered an injury that is likely to keep him out for the entire season. But former Leeds United defender Garbutt has hardly had a sniff.
Making just 12 Toffees appearances since joining the club in 2009 as a 16-year-old, Garbutt is now 24 and is rotting away in the reserves despite earning a princely £27,500 a week according to the Daily Star.
However, he was left out of Ronald Koeman’s Premier League squad for the first half of the season and although Sam Allardyce has seemingly included the England youth international in his – he was on the bench against Watford – he is yet to make an appearance this season.
With the signing of Fabra and the presence of Baines, there is simply no need for a player already likely to leave at the end of the season and Everton are sure to cash in – whether or not they sign Fabra.
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