Everton are reportedly set to sign defender Cuco Martina.
Chelsea’s Diego Costa in action with Cuco Martina
According to the Daily Mail, Everton are on the verge of completing the signing of defender Cuco Martina as he nears a reunion with Ronald Koeman.
The Toffees are again expected to splash the cash this summer thanks to the investment of Farhad Moshiri, having spent on the likes of Ashley Williams, Idrissa Gueye, Morgan Schneiderlin and Yannick Bolasie over the last year.
Cuco Martina in action with Stoke City’s Mame Diouf
Whilst fans are expecting big additions, Everton instead seem set to make a free agent their first signing of the summer, with manager Koeman keen to boost his defensive options.
The Daily Mail report that ex-Southampton defender Cuco Martina is set to sign for Everton in the near future, having been released by the Saints earlier this month.
Everton manager Ronald Koeman
The Curacao international captain, 27, made just nine Premier League appearances this past season, and it was no surprise when Southampton decided not to offer him a new contract.
Now, with Everton needed some experience at right back given Seamus Coleman’s major injury, they will allegedly sign Martina to challenge with Mason Holgate and Jonjoe Kenny at right back.
Cuco Martina in action with Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling
It was Koeman who signed Martina for Southampton in the summer of 2015, and whilst he wasn’t a key player under Koeman at St. Mary’s Stadium, he offers great versatility across the back four.
Not only capable of playing at right back, Martina can also feature at centre back or even left back if needed, and on a free transfer, this appears to be a smart move by Everton to sign a player that Koeman clearly trusts.
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