Everton are amongst the cluster of Premier League sides interested in signing Diego Laxalt this summer.
Left-back was a real area for concern for the Toffees last term and highlighted the importance of replacing Baines at some stage in the near future as the 33-year-old edges towards the end of his career at the highest level.
Replacing Baines will be a tough task – even if his form has gradually become less impressive – but reported target Laxalt would arguably be a fantastic signing.
The Sun reports that Everton are looking to pay £18 million for the 25-year-old, who has just helped Uruguay reach the quarter-final of the World Cup before being knocked out by eventual winners France.
If the Toffees are able to get Laxalt in for that price, it would arguably be one of the best deals that Marco Silva could possibly do all summer as the Genoa ace has the potential to be a superb addition.
Laxalt proved himself to be a competent defender for the South Americans who did not concede a single goal in the group-stages in Russia and only let in three in total before going home – one was, of course, down to a horrific mistake from Fernando Muslera.
But it was his exciting bursts forward to provide support for the likes of Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani that will leave the Everton fans particularly excited if he does join. Of course, the Toffees’ striker options are not on the same level, but Silva’s forwards will likely have plenty of reason to get into dangerous positions if they see Laxalt get onto the ball with space emerging in front of him. His ability to play anywhere down the left flank could make him especially influential.
It remains to be seen if the Serie A side have any interest in letting the wing-back leave for £18 million, but if they do, Everton must capitalise as he could be an inspired addition.
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