It may seem strange that The Toffees are chasing a new centre-back due to their excellent defensive record, but Semedo is a talent that cannot be ignored.
Everton have stepped up their interest in Sporting Lisbon defender Ruben Semedo, according to A Bola, as Ronald Koeman aims to add a dash of youth to his ageing backline.
The Toffees have been superb defensively since the appointment of the uncompromising Dutchman in the summer, Koeman instilling balance and discipline to the side after the haphazard chaos of Roberto Martinez.
Consequently, only Tottenham Hotspur have conceded fewer than Everton’s six goals so far this season, with former Swansea City captain Ashley Williams (below) proving an inspired addition alongside Phil Jagielka at the centre of the defence.
However, with the combined age of the experienced duo a geriatric 66, Koeman is more than aware that he must plan for the future following the sale of John Stones to Manchester City in the summer and the erratic performances of red-card-in-waiting Ramiro Funes Mori.
As a result, the Merseysiders are preparing to go head-to-head with Italian giants AC Milan and Napoli to secure the services of Semedo (below, left), who caught the eye in Sporting’s narrow Champions League defeat to Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League in midweek.
At just 22-years-old, Semedo represents pure, untapped potential and, coupled with Koeman’s penchant for refining talent into consistency – embodied by Ryan Bertrand and Toby Alderweireld – player and club appear a perfect fit.
Despite just two full seasons in professional football, the Portugal Under-21 international averages 4.4 interceptions and two tackles per game, according to WhoScored, demonstrating the no-nonsense approach typified by Williams, Jagielka and Alderweireld.
Like his potential predecessor Stones, however, he follows the typical blueprint of the archetypal modern defender.
Semedo’s 91% pass completion rate will no doubt impress the father of ball-playing centre-backs himself (below).
Semedo, learning his trade in the same Sporting academy that spawned the likes of Luis Figo and Cristiano Ronaldo, will not come cheap, having inked a contract until 2022 in March, complete with a £40 million buyout clause, according to The Sun.
Fortunately, then, Everton possess the master of bargains himself in Director of Football Steve Walsh. And, with fellow Iberians Jose Fonte and Cedric Soares taking their game to new levels under Koeman, Semedo could hardly have more proof that Goodison is the place to be.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
