With the signings of Tom Cleverley and Gerard Deulofeu secured, Roberto Martinez’s attention has now turned to finding a central defender to replace the outgoing Sylvain Distin and Antolin Alcaraz. Numerous names have been mentioned in recent weeks. Here’s our ranking of Everton’s defensive targets in terms of suitability.
6. Nemanja Vidic, Inter Milan
The former United stalwart has reportedly rejected a move to Goodison Park and may stay with current side Inter Milan (Sportmediaset), despite losing his place in the starting line up after suffering multiple injuries and a general loss of form. On his day, the 33-year-old is a towering presence at the heart of the defence- something that Everton are very much in need of- and a threat in both boxes, yet age is against the Serbian, who has in truth probably seen better days. Given his pedigree, and the massive outlay in wages that such a move would command, Roberto Martinez’s limited funds would no doubt be best spent elsewhere.
5. Kara Mbodj, Genk
Mbodj is a highly-rated Senegal international currently plying his trade in Belgium. The versatile 25-year-old- Mbodj can play in the centre of defence or as a holding midfielder- is a target for Everton, West Ham and Leicester City, and fits the Martinez blueprint as a technical, ball-playing defender. However, Mbodj, who stands at an imposing 6ft 3in, lacks experience at the top of the European game, and the worry would be that the Genk player may well be a Jack of all trades, master of none (Phil Neville, anyone?). Last month, the Liverpool Echo reported that the Senegalese defender remains a target for Roberto Martinez, yet the Blues favour a more experienced player to compliment current incumbents Phil Jagielka and John Stones.
4. Jonny Evans, Manchester United
Northern Ireland captain Evans has been strongly linked with a move to Everton in the tabloid gossip columns, with fees between £5-10 million mentioned. The injury-prone 27-year-old is still to establish himself as a regular at Old Trafford, and featured just 14 times last season. Evans’ strengths include passing and tackling (WhoScored), however, he also lacks pace and would likely be exposed against the league’s stronger, quicker defenders. Although an experienced defender both in the Premier League and European competition, his poor injury record would no doubt leave a porous-looking Everton defence thin at important parts of the season.
3. Scott Dann, Crystal Palace
Scouser, Dann, has been in great form for Crystal Palace over the last year, and collected the Selhurst Park club’s Player of the Season award after an impressive 2014/15 campaign. The former Blackburn defender does the basics well and would serve as a solid base for Martinez’s side, yet doubts still remain over his ability to fit into Everton’s expansive game. Valued at a steep £15 million (Daily Mirror) in light of his importance to Alan Pardew’s side, it appears unlikely that Everton would be willing to sanction a move for a player of his age, and may look elsewhere. Recent reports that a deal is imminent have died down over the past few days- it would perhaps be best for all parties if the commanding defender committed his long-term future to the South London side.
2. Virgil van Dijk, Celtic
23-year-old van Dijk has been on Everton’s radar since his time at Groningen. The talented defender is comfortable on the ball, dominant in the air and would suit Everton’s style of play down to the ground. Although he lacks Premier League experience, van Dijk is a current Dutch international and has featured numerous times in the Champions League. He also weighs in with his fair share of goals- 10 in all competitions, last time around- and would have a decent resale value if Everton were ever to sell. Celtic’s star man is currently coveted by a host of other top flight clubs, and would command a fee of between £6-10 million.
1. Angelo Ogbonna, Juventus
Italy international Ogbonna is Everton’s top target, according to the Liverpool Echo. A player of real promise, the Italian started just 18 times for Juve last season and is believed to favour a move away from the Italian champions this summer in order to reignite his faltering career. Valued at £12 million and also a target for Premier League rivals West Ham, Ogbonna is a physical, left-footed player capable of adhering to Martinez’s passing philosophy. For my money, the best like-for-like replacement for Sylvain Distin that Everton are going to find.
