The summer transfer window is still a while away, but CalcioMercato are linking Everton with a move for Montpellier’s versatile defender Ruben Aguilar.
The report claims the 5 foot 6 right-back has emerged as a Toffees target, along with South London side Crystal Palace, although it offers no indication of how much Marcel Brands is willing to part with in order to secure the services of someone valued by TransferMarkt at £5.4million.
Should the former PSV Director of Football agree a deal with the League 1 side, it could suggest Marco Silva is planning on shaking things up at Goodison Park next season, by ditching Seamus Coleman and a four-man backline.
Silva has only deviated from a four-man defence in the Premier League thrice this season, but Aguilar has been starring for Montpellier as a right-wing-back or right-midfielder, rather than his natural defensive role.
The uncapped French national also earned the Man of the Match award against Lyon in December after his goal earned Michel Der Zakarian’s side a point, which brought his season goal contribution to three.
Everton’s interest in Aguilar could be nothing more than as back-up for Thomas Meunier depending on negotiations with Paris Saint-Germain, but could lose out to Palace after their star defender, and former reported Toffees target, Aaron Wan-Bissaka was linked with a move to Borussia Dortmund.