As the end of a unique Premier League season edges closer into view, transfer rumours are beginning to intensify.
For Everton, one clear area of need is right-back and a fresh report emerged on Wednesday linking them with a move for Norwich City’s Max Aarons.
According to Paul Joyce of the The Times, the England youth international remains a target for Carlo Ancelotti’s team and they will look to haggle Norwich down from their £30 million valuation of the 21-year-old. The player himself is also reported to be keen on the move.
The continued interest in Aarons is no surprise, as right-back has emerged as the biggest area of concern for Everton in a season of ups and downs.
Skipper Seamus Coleman has played well recently, although he is unable to fly up the flank with the same vigour he did in his younger days and is now consistently suffering with injury niggles. Mason Holgate can offer a defensive presence in the position, but is primarily a centre-back by trade.
Aarons has the attacking attributes and energy to add a different dimension to the way Everton play, in the same way Lucas Digne has been able to give the Toffees some thrust over on the left since his arrival from Barcelona.
While Ben Godfrey made the trip from Carrow Road to Goodison Park last summer after Norwich’s relegation from the Premier League, Aarons stuck around in Norfolk and has been part of the team’s successful promotion push; their return to the top flight could be confirmed this weekend, having dominated this season in the Championship.
Having helped the team get back up, Norwich will be desperate to prevent another one of their youthful jewels from joining Everton. But given Aarons’ pedigree and the Toffees’ transfer requirements, the Merseyside club are unlikely to be deterred easily.