Everton and Newcastle United are reportedly scouting left-back Leonardo Koutris.
According to a report from the Daily Mirror (24/3; page 70), Everton have joined Newcastle in scouting Olympiakos left-back Leonardo Koutris – and they are not the only Premier League sides monitoring the defender.
Koutris has enjoyed a promising year with the Greek heavyweights. He has only played 16 times in the league, but he has provided four assists, while he has also contributed another in the Europa League.
The Daily Mirror (24/3; page 70) reports that there are Premier League clubs monitoring the 23-year-old ahead of the summer, with Everton and the Magpies named as admirers of the youngster.
It is little surprise that Rafa Benitez has his eye on signing a new left-back. Paul Dummett has been a stalwart in recent years, but January loan signing Antonio Barreca has made little impact since arriving at St James’ Park and he will surely not be returning for another spell unless something dramatic happen in the final weeks of the season.
Everton arguably have a lot more depth in that area of the pitch. Lucas Digne has been a fantastic signing for the Toffees, while Leighton Baines is a pretty good understudy to have in the side.
Baines is seemingly edging towards the end of his career at the highest level however, so perhaps Marco Silva believes that signing Koutris from his former club could be a good way for the Toffees to cope with losing the veteran when he does move on in the future.
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