Everton are reportedly pushing to sign Southampton’s Cuco Martina on a free transfer.
Everton manager Ronald Koeman applauds fans
According to the Daily Star, Everton boss Ronald Koeman is preparing a new move to sign Southampton defender Cuco Martina this summer.
Koeman has one of the Premier League’s best right backs at Everton in Seamus Coleman, but his gruesome injury suffered on international duty with Ireland last month will keep him out long term.
Mason Holgate and Matthew Pennington have been called upon to fill in, but Coleman’s injury has again highlighted that Koeman needs anther right back with some experience for when Coleman is missing.
Last summer, Koeman wanted to bring Cuco Martina with him from Southampton, but an injury to Jeremy Pied meant that the Saints were forced to keep Martina as cover for Cedric Soares.
Now, the Daily Star report that Everton are returning with a new move for Martina, given that his contract with Southampton expires at the end of the season, meaning he can sign on a free transfer.
Koeman lured Martina to Southampton in the summer of 2015, with the Curacao international penning a two-year contract with the Saints having impressed in the Eredivisie with Twente.
Chelsea’s Diego Costa in action with Southampton’s Cuco Martina
The 27-year-old played played 18 times last season, scoring a stunning long-range goal against Arsenal, and has played another 18 games this term – but hasn’t played a league game in 2017, with his two appearances this year coming in the FA Cup.
Martina is clearly a player that Koeman trusts, and whilst he may not be a sexy signing to excite fans, he should be solid defensive cover on a free transfer, providing he finally gets his man – which may well happen with Southampton unable to stop him.
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