According to reports in the Liverpool Echo, Everton are interested in signing Hull City defender Harry Maguire this summer.
What’s the word, then?
Well, Toffees boss Ronald Koeman is said to be keen to bolster his backline at the end of the season, and it doesn’t really come as too much of a surprise.
With Phil Jagielka’s long-term future seemingly in doubt, Ashley Williams getting no younger and Ramiro Funes Mori set to miss at least the rest of the season after suffering a knee injury while away on international duty with Argentina this week, it doesn’t leave the Dutchman with too many options at centre-back.
One of his top targets is said to be Maguire, who has impressed for Premier League strugglers Hull this term.
How well has he performed then?
He has been very good.
Because of their struggles Hull have had to do a lot of defending this season, but the 24-year-old has certainly stood up to the task and he was magnificent up against Zlatan Ibrahimovic in February, as Marco Silva’s men picked up a point at Old Trafford.
In fact, he was even named as the man of the match in his side’s 2-0 defeat to Premier League leaders Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in January, after making more tackles, clearances and interceptions than anyone else on the pitch.
So he would improve the Toffees’ defence?
He certainly would, but he would also bring a threat at the other end of the pitch too.
In that same clash at Stamford Bridge, the former Sheffield United man also had four efforts at goal, and he has had 22 shots in total in the top flight this term – impressive numbers for a central defender.
Why would he be a good fit for Everton?
Because he would have the opportunity to improve under the leadership one of the best defenders the game has seen.
As well as his committed defensive performances, Maguire is also comfortable on the ball and often brings it out from the back – something that would certainly be admired by the Toffees supporters.
