According to Correio da Manhã (h/t Sport Witness), Everton are interested in Leonardo Koutris. The 23-year-old has also been linked with a move to West Ham United, but Koutris may only be lured to England if he’s guaranteed a regular starting place – something that both Everton and West Ham can’t promise.
Lucas Digne is a regular at left-back for the Toffees so Koutris would likely be backup if signed. The Greek international’s potential arrival could see Marco Silva axe Leighton Baines this summer. It was unlikely Baines would be handed a contract extension given his lack of playing time in 2018/19, but whether Koutris is a good replacement remains to be seen.
The defender has made 56 appearances in all competitions since joining Olympiacos from PAS Giannina in 2017, scoring and creating nine goals. He’d struggle to dethrone Digne at Everton and has slim hopes of being a regular at West Ham either – Aaron Cresswell and Arthur Masuaku are battling it out for a starting place.
If Everton do make an approach this summer, it may be to replace the ageing and out-of-contract Baines. Digne has been linked with a move away from Goodison Park but isn’t likely to be sold as he’s a valuable asset to the club.
Crippy Cooke’s previous article
Opinion: Everton could lose £10m if transfer falls through, potential blow for Marco Silva