Everton reportedly join race for Dael Fry; should Koeman target double deal to solve problems?

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Everton are reportedly tracking Middlesbrough’s Dael Fry.

According to the Daily Mail, Everton are interested in signing Middlesbrough defender Dael Fry – but he isn’t the only Boro defender to have been linked with a move to Goodison Park in 2017.

The Toffees may have splashed the cash on a raft of new signings over the summer, with the likes of Jordan Pickford, Michael Keane, Davy Klaassen and Gylfi Sigurdsson all arriving, but recent results mean more January spending may be on the cards.

Ronald Koeman is under huge pressure after four defeats in seven Premier League games, and whilst his side are struggling to score goals, they’re also struggling to keep them out at the other end.

Ashley Williams and Phil Jagielka are now 33 and 35 respectively, with the veteran duo now coming towards the end of their Premier League careers, meaning Everton may be forced to buy more than one centre back to build around summer signing Keane.

Earlier this week, the Daily Mail reported that Everton are interested in signing Middlesbrough defender Dael Fry, with the 20-year-old centre back showing real promise under Garry Monk this season.

However, Fry isn’t the only Boro defender to be linked with Everton this year, as The Mirror reported back in January that the Toffees had lined up Gibson as a contingency target if they didn’t get Keane – but they may actually need both, as well as Fry.

It has become abundantly clear that Jagielka and Williams are deteriorating, and landing another promising English centre back in Gibson could be a smart move after his impressive Premier League, whilst he can add balance to the Everton back line as a left-footed centre back – something Koeman was so keen on adding over the summer.

Yet with interest in Fry too, Everton may be smart to pursue a double deal with Middlesbrough for their two homegrown centre backs, adding two young defenders to develop for the future once Jagielka and Williams have moved on.

Given their promotion hopes and their strong finances, Middlesbrough may not need to sell, which could force Everton to pay a huge fee if they want either player – but given their defensive struggles this season, the Toffees will need to dip into their wallet again, with defensive reinforcements for the future vital, and Fry and Gibson fit the bill.