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Have Southampton found the replacement for reported Everton target Cedric Soares?

Marco Silva the head coach (Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
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Everton are reportedly looking to sign Southampton’s Premier League right-back Cedric Soares.

Everton's Portuguese manager Marco Silva (R) talks with Southampton's German-born Portuguese defender Cedric Soares (L) at the end of the English Premier League football match between...

Are Southampton paving the way for Cedric Soares to end his stay on the South Coast?

The Portuguese international was linked with a move to Premier League rivals Everton by The Sun (January 11, page 53), with The Toffees apparently ready to pay £15 million to bring the former Sporting Lisbon right-back to Goodison Park.

And, according to The Mail, Southampton have now identified the man capable of replacing Cedric at St Mary’s.

It is reported that the 27-year-old is expected to leave this month and it is understood that Ralph Hasenhuttl has identified Danish youngster Joakim Maehle as his replacement.

The U21 international is currently flying in Belgium, producing seven assists this season to help KRC Genk soar to the top of the Jupiler League table. And The Mail believes that Southampton have now opened talks over a deal that would see Maehle continue his career in English football.

Joakim Maehle Pedersen forward of Genk in action during the Jupiler Pro League match between KRC Genk and KAA Gent on December 26, 2018 in Genk, Belgium, 26

Quick and attack-minded, Maehle is certainly the sort of full-back that former RB Leipzig boss Hasenhuttl likes. And it seems that, with talks already underway, this could give Everton the chance to snap up Cedric.

With head coach Marco Silva making clear that funds are in short supply this month however, according to The Independent, the Merseysiders might have to find buyers for the likes of Morgan Schneiderlin first.

Cedric Soares of Southampton (L) celebrates as he scores their second goal with Dusan Tadic during The Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final match between Wigan Athletic and Southampton at DW...