Pundit Noel Whelan is convinced that Nuno Espiritio Santo will look to bring in Connor Coady this summer if the Portuguese tactician lands the Everton job.
The former Wolves manager departed Molineux after four years with the midlands outfit and is reportedly in advanced talks to fill the managerial vacancy at Goodison Park.
Consequentially, reports in Football Insider have claimed that Everton are targeting two of Wolves’ key players in Conor Coady and winger Pedro Neto.
The former was of particular interest to Whelan. Currently on international duty with England, Whelan was full of paise for the 5-cap defensive bulwark.
Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan claimed:
“He [Coady] knows the league and the game here in England,” Whelan claimed.
“That’s worth a lot more than a very good international foreign player coming in. You have to know the Premier League.
“It’s so different to playing abroad, it’s more dynamic, quicker, aggressive. That’s probably what’s been missing at Everton.”
Whelan then turned his attention to Carlo Ancelotti, who was attributed as a key influence that was integral in bringing in the likes of James Rodriguez and Allan from his former clubs last summer.
“Every manager at every club brings in their own players. Carlo Ancelotti did it with Allan and James Rodriguez. Coady can be Nuno’s Rodriguez.
“Nuno knows where Everton were weak last season and that was at the back. They have a great attacking force and a strong midfield.
“Of course Coady’s from the area as well, that could appeal to him.
“I have no doubt Nuno will sign players he’s worked with before and trusts if he gets the job.”
Read Everton Verdict
If Nuno indeed finds himself in the Everton hotseat, leveraging his connections could be a useful instrument in boosting the Toffees’ recruitment prospects.
Whether Wolves would sanction the sale of key assets is a different matter altogether, though a pre-existing rapport with Nuno could help to speed up the process of integrating the duo within the squad.
