Everton are reportedly re-focusing their attention on Southampton’s Cuco Martina, with a deal for Tottenham’s Kieran Trippier unlikely.
Chelsea’s Diego Costa in action with Southampton’s Cuco Martina
According to the Daily Mail, Everton are turning their attention back to Southampton’s Cuco Martina, with Tottenham now unlikely to sell Kieran Trippier.
Everton have one of the Premier League’s top right backs in Seamus Coleman, but the Irishman’s brutal injury suffered on international duty in March has ruled him out long term.
Coleman’s injury has left Everton a little exposed at right back, with youngster Mason Holgate filling in there in recent weeks, meaning manager Ronald Koeman may look for another right back this summer.
The Daily Mail now report that whilst Everton had hoped to sign Tottenham’s Kieran Trippier, they are now turning their attention back to Southampton’s Cuco Martina.
Everton manager Ronald Koeman
Martina, 27, was signed by Koeman back in the summer of 2015, leaving FC Twente to join Southampton as a utility defender, given that he could play anywhere across the back four.
The Curacao international captain played 18 times under Koeman last season, but with just six Premier League starts under Claude Puel, it seems that Martina is on his way out of Southampton this summer when his contract expires.
Tottenham’s Kieran Trippier is congratulated by manager Mauricio Pochettino
That means that Martina can join Everton for free, and he has re-emerged as the Toffees’ top right back target given that a deal for Tottenham ace Trippier now looks to be unlikely.
Doubts over Kyle Walker’s future mean that Tottenham don’t want to lose 26-year-old Trippier, who has emerged as Mauricio Pochettino’s leading right back as the club seemingly prepare to sell England international Walker this summer.
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