Everton need a left-back after Sam Allardyce failed to solve the Toffees’ problem position in January.
Premier League duo Watford and West Ham United are reportedly interested in signing Inter Milan defender Yuto Nagatomo – but surely he would be perfect for Everton in the summer.
Italian outlet FC Inter News claim both Premier League sides are eyeing a move for the pocket-sized 31-year-old, who stands at just under 5ft 6in, but boasts remarkable speed despite entering his thirties.
The 101-time Japan international is currently on loan from Inter at Turkish giants Galatasaray until the end of the season, after completing a loan move to Fatih Terim’s side in January.
But his future is likely to be away from the San Siro in the summer, with Inter teetering on the brink of financial fairplay rules and desperately in need of having to offload some of their fringe players.
The left-back has just 18 months remaining on his Inter deal and that has seen West Ham and Watford alerted to his presence but it is at Goodison Park where a left-back is needed the most.
Sam Allardyce signed a striker, winger and a centre-back in January – the latter suffering a long-term injury in the form of Eliaquim Mangala. But he failed to add a left-back to his side.
Leighton Baines remains sidelined as he turns 34 in December, while Cuco Martina has been playing out of position on the left side of defence. Luke Garbutt remains frozen out.
The Toffees need a left-sided defender more than most Premier League sides and Nagatomo’s experience, speed and calibre would make him an excellent signing for Everton in the summer – if they join West Ham and Watford in the race for his signature.
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