Report: Everton rivalling West Ham for free agent defender Patrice Evra

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Everton and West Ham United are going head to head for Patrice Evra.

According to Sky Sports, free agent defender Patrice Evra is now wanted by Everton – but his preference is to sign for Premier League rivals West Ham United.

Evra, 36, is a proven Premier League player having spent eight years with Manchester United, winning five Premier League titles and one Champions League crown.

The Frenchman is a free agent having been released by Marseille in November 2017, having been banned from playing UEFA competition following an altercation with a fan.

West Ham have now made their move for Evra, and whilst Everton are keen, Evra is understood to prefer a move to London, with a move to the Hammers expected to go through today.

Have Everton missed out?

Everton’s issues at left back have been well-documented this season; Leighton Baines is ageing and struggling with injuries, Luke Garbutt wasn’t even registered for the Premier League by Ronald Koeman, and Brendan Galloway has endured a dismal season out on loan.

Cuco Martina has been filling in at left back, and despite needing to find the left back of the future, Everton ended the January transfer window without bringing in a young left back to boost Sam Allardyce’s squad.

Now, the Toffees are back in the market for a left back, but adding Evra to ageing options like Ashley Williams, Phil Jagielka and injured Baines seems like the last thing Everton need – even on a short-term deal.

Evra now looks set to head to West Ham to reunite with ex-Manchester United boss David Moyes, and it seems unlikely that Everton will be left to rue missing out on the signing of a 36-year-old free agent.