Everton are reportedly close to signing Southampton full back Cuco Martina.
Southampton’s Cuco Martina in action with Tottenham’s Danny Rose
According to the Liverpool Echo, Everton are closing in on the signing of Southampton’s versatile defender Cuco Martina.
The Toffees have added four new faces to their first team this summer, as Maarten Stekelenburg, Ashley Williams, Idrissa Gueye and Yannick Bolasie have all arrived at Goodison Park.
Southampton’s Cuco Martina in action with Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling
Yet, with just one week to go until the transfer window slams shut, Everton boss Ronald Koeman may yet look for more additions – and much like with the signing of goalkeeper Stekelenburg, he may be set to reunite with a player he worked with at Southampton.
The Liverpool Echo report that Everton are close to completing the signing of Saints right back Cuco Martina, with talks believed to be at an advanced stage.
Everton manager Ronald Koeman
Martina, 26, was signed by Koeman last summer having impressed in the Eredivisie with FC Twente, and he was a versatile option at St. Mary’s Stadium as he can play at right back, centre back and left back.
The Curacao international’s season will be best remembered for scoring a long-range goal of the season contender against Arsenal on Boxing Day, but his future on the South Coast has been in doubt ever since Koeman’s move to Goodison Park.
Koeman’s replacement Claude Puel not only has Cedric Soares at his disposal at right back, but also signed Jeremy Pied as cover having worked with the Frenchman at Lyon and Nice, making Martina Southampton’s third-choice right back.
Everton’s Leon Osman in action with Southampton’s Cuco Martina
Now, with Everton looking for a right back following an injury to Seamus Coleman, and Martina – a player Koeman knows he can depend on – appears to be edging towards a move to Merseyside.
The Daily Mail report that a fee of just £1.25m is involved in the move, with Koeman landing a bargain deal for a player who will add depth to the Everton defence.
The move won’t grab many headlines as it’s only a backup right back, but this appears to be a smart, low cost move to land a Koeman favourite ahead of the transfer deadline.
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