Marcel Brands wanted Patrick van Aanholt in 2017; could he still be Everton-bound?

Follow us on Google Discover

Everton are reportedly hoping to land Marcel Brands this summer.

According to a report from The Mirror, Everton are hoping to secure a deal to bring PSV Eindhoven director of football Marcel Brands to Goodison Park this summer.

The Toffees are allegedly set for a major overhaul this summer, which may not only feature Brands coming in as Steve Walsh’s successor, but also see Sam Allardyce replaced by Shakhtar Donetsk boss Paulo Fonseca.

After a disappointing season which was only made more frustrating by the huge money spent over the summer, Everton need to improve ahead of next season, and Brands would be charged with the task of finding new signings.

One position which must be a priority for Brands is left back, given that Leighton Baines is ageing and has missed huge parts of this season, and there is little cover behind the former England international.

Brands may already have one target in mind for that position though, having told Voetbal Zone last summer that he wanted to sign Crystal Palace star Patrick van Aanholt for PSV Eindhoven, but the deal proved impossible.

Van Aanholt, 27, has impressed of late with two goals in his last three games for Palace, and the Dutchman was allegedly wanted by Everton in January, according to ESPN.

Van Aanholt is a favourite of manager Allardyce having worked together at both Sunderland and Crystal Palace, and whilst no January deal materialised, it would be little surprise to see the former Chelsea man head to Goodison Park this summer.

Brands is clearly a fan of his compatriot having attempted to lure him to Eindhoven last summer, whilst his pace and attacking play would be ideal either under his former boss Allardyce, or under Fonseca, who has used Ismaily in a similar way for Shakhtar.

It’s unclear just what Palace would want for Van Aanholt this summer, but with Everton searching for Baines’ successor, Van Aanholt certainly fits the bill – and Brands’ appreciation of him should make him a top target for the role at Goodison Park.