Everton reportedly want to sign Wendell to succeed Leighton Baines

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Everton are reportedly interested in signing Bayer Leverkusen defender Wendell, with Leighton Baines turning 34 at the end of the year.

As reported by Sky Sports, Everton are targeting Bayer Leverkusen defender Wendell this summer, as they prepare for life after Leighton Baines.

Wendell was a mainstay in the Leverkusen back line last season, making 30 appearances for the German side.

The 24-year-old has been with Leverkusen since 2014 after signing from Gremio, and is considered one of the better left-backs in the German top flight.

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To date he has made over 100 appearances in the Bundesliga, and Sky sources have reason to believe the Toffees will make a bid to sign him ahead of the 2018/19 season.

Depending on the fee, it could make for a solid signing for Everton, who have been served very well by Baines over the years.

The Kirkby-born defender, who joined from Wigan Athletic in 2007, has been one of the Premier League’s best full-backs in recent times, but lately he has begun to show his age and been hit by various injuries.

Signing Wendell would be a real statement of intent from Everton, who have had to contend with a serious lack of pace at the back, especially since Seamus Coleman’s horrific injury in March 2017.

Wendell is very attack-minded with a great eye for an early cross, and he has the pace to get himself out of sticky situations.