According to French outlet le10sport, Everton have joined the race to sign Ajax defender Nicolas Tagliafico.
The Argentine defender seems to be hot property this summer with a number of clubs interested in signing a player who has been capped 25 times by his country.
He shot to stardom during Ajax’s remarkable run to the Champions League semi-finals last season and he’s continued his good form this term by scoring four times and laying on five assists.
It’s no surprise, therefore, that he’s attracted the likes of PSG according to the report. Though, Chelsea are also said to be interested in the 27-year-old - a team clearly in need of a left-back after eyeing Ben Chilwell as well.
There is other interest from the Premier League for Tagliafico with Brendan Rodgers’ Leicester hot on the chase of the left-back.
In the modern market, the defender shouldn’t cost too much either. Le10sport suggest he is worth €25m (£22.2m).
GIVE ME SPORT’S Matt Dawson says...
It’s rather surprising to see Everton in the chase for such an astute left-back given they already have Lucas Digne at their disposal.
The French defender has been one of the most eye-catching in the Premier League since his move from Barcelona in 2018, racking up 11 assists for the Toffees in that time.
Transfermarkt even states the duo are similar players – having both in their armoury, therefore, would fail to make much sense.
That being said, back in May, Digne was linked with a move back to France. The possibility of leaving Goodison Park seems feasible but only as a replacement for the Frenchman should Everton look to seal a move for Tagliafico.
Comparing the two, just one assist separates them in league action so far in 2019/20. However, Digne does lay on 1.2 more key passes per game than the man now linked with Everton, according to WhoScored.
Whoever does sign Tagliafico this summer, they will have beaten off plenty of competition.