Since announcing Marco Silva as new boss and Marcel Brands as new director of football, recruitment at Goodison has been slow. Understandably the pair will want to have a firsthand look at the squad before venturing out in to the transfer market and signing new players.
But one area of the team that is direly in need of reinforcements is defence. Everton’s back line has been dependent on Phil Jagielka for too long and at 35 this could be his last season for the club. Ashley Williams at 33 is another who does not have a long-term future on Merseyside.
Left back is also clearly a problem position. Leighton Baines has been a great servant for the club but he too is on the wrong side of 30 and a lack of cover meant right back, Cuco Martina, was having to deputise when Baines was out injured.
Perhaps Everton should try to sign a defender who is comfortable playing both centre-half and left back. Well, according to StarSport, that’s exactly what they’re doing.
Reportedly, Everton are close to signing Algeria international Ramy Bensebaini in a £13m deal. The versatile 23-year-old featured 29 times in the French League for Rennes last term and helped the side to secure a 5th place finish. Bensebaini mostly played left back for the French outfit but also provided cover for the centre halves when called upon.
The Algerian has already been capped 12 times for his country and at 23 he has a lot of scope to improve. What do you think Everton fans? Would you be happy with signing Bensebaini? Let us know your thoughts below.