Everton are likely to be in the market for a left-sided defender this summer.
Sky Sports have claimed on their Transfer Centre (Tuesday, 15:42pm) that Everton are interested in signing Hertha Berlin left-back Marvin Plattenhardt, who is set to represent Germany at this summer’s World Cup.
The 26-year-old’s stock is on the rise after another excellent season with Hertha, in which he missed just one Bundesliga outing as the German side avoided a relegation scrap by finishing in a respectable 10th place.
Plattenhardt is renowned as one of the league’s best left-sided defenders, which has seen him pick up six caps for Germany. He is expected to act as back-up to Koln’s Jonas Hector this summer under Joachim Low.
Everton are expected to be on the lookout for a new left-back, as Leighton Baines’ long-term calf injury saw the Toffees forced to use Cuco Martina on the left side of defence for much of the season. Luke Garbutt remained on the sidelines.
It remains to be seen how much Everton will have to pay to land Plattenhardt, but it is unlikely to be on the cheap side with the German star having five years still to run on his contract at Hertha.
Making 38 appearances in all competitions during 2017-18, the left-sided defender even wowed fans in attacking areas as he laid on eight assists. It is unclear whether Everton have made a bid for the left-back.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
