Everton boss Ronald Koeman knows Southampton defender Cuco Martina well.
Republic of Ireland’s Seamus Coleman is stretchered off injured
Seamus Coleman’s injury for Republic of Ireland came as terrible news to Everton fans, with the defender ruled out of the rest of the season and potentially all of 2017.
The full-back was in the form of his life prior to his double leg fracture, and leaves the Toffees scrambling to fill the void.
Everton will need a capable replacement, but not one who impacts Coleman’s chances long-term. The Irishman is 28, and should still have several years left in him at the top level once he makes his return.
It means a move for Southampton defender Cuco Martina is the ideal stop gap, with the right-back available on a free transfer this summer with his contract set to expire.
Chelsea’s Diego Costa in action with Southampton’s Cuco Martina
Martina is a player Everton boss Ronald Koeman knows well, having signed him for Southampton in 2015 from Dutch side FC Twente on a two-year deal.
He made 18 appearances under the Dutchman last season before Koeman’s exit, but this season has just six league starts and could depart the club this summer.
A reunion with Koeman at Everton would make sense. Martina is not a world beater, but not would he need to be.
He is a capable fill in, who Koeman trusts, with Premier League and Europa League experience.
The 27-year-old importantly is available on a free transfer, meaning Everton could bring in cover for Coleman without hampering the Irishman’s long term prospects of reclaiming his place.
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