According to the Daily Mail, Everton want to sign Reading defender Omar Richards during the January transfer window.
It’s claimed that Richards is being eyed up as a potential addition as Carlo Ancelotti seeks greater depth at the back.
They may not be alone though, as The Reading Chronicle reported in October that both Crystal Palace and West Ham United fancy Richards too.
Who is Omar Richards?
Richards, 22, has come through the Reading ranks having arrived from Fulham in 2013, and has now become a first-team regular at the Madejski Stadium.
A former England Under-21 international, Richards is quick and skilful, offering a major attacking threat whilst also using his pace on the cover.
Capable of playing as a left back or left wing back, Richards looks destined for the Premier League at some stage, and Everton could offer him the leap to the top flight.
Do Everton need him?
Everton brought in a left back over the summer as Niels Nkounkou joined from Marseille, and whilst he has shown potential, he hasn’t quite been trusted for Premier League action even with Lucas Digne out.
Rather than bringing in another young left back, Everton may be better off seeing how Nkounkou develops, whilst Thierry Small is another promising option in that area.
The Mail do note that Manchester City wan Digne, and unless he is leaving, a January move for Richards would be something of a surprise.
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