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Everton have improved significantly under the guidance of Ronald Koeman this season but the Dutchman is aware he has work to do to ensure the Toffees remain competitive.
With an ageing defence, Ronald Koeman is keen to freshen up his defensive ranks this summer by seeking the signature of new signings and The Liverpool Echo states the Dutchman’s head has been turned by Hull City’s Harry Maguire.
24-year-old Maguire has impressed this season for the struggling Tigers, with his stellar performances including keeping Romelu Lukaku quiet at Goodison Park until his side were reduced to ten-men, as well as frustrating Manchester United in a goalless draw.
Maguire has been touted as a potential choice for Gareth Southgate’s England squad and a move to Everton would significantly booster his chances, whilst Koeman believes the right signings this summer could see the Toffees push into the top-four.
Why Maguire?
Harry Maguire is just one of the names being discussed by Everton’s hierarchy ahead of the summer transfer window, with the Toffees also keen on Burnley’s Michael Keane, but a significant shake-up to the back-line is expected this summer.
Phil Jagielka turns 35 this summer and has been in-and-out of the line-up this season, whilst Ramiro Funes Mori sees his future shrouded in speculation too. On top of that, first-choice man Ashley Williams turns 33 this summer and doesn’t have many years left in the tank.
With a signing like Maguire, Everton could get years of service from the England ace- just like they’ve done with Jagielka and Leighton Baines, both of whom signed in 2007 and have represented the Merseyside outfit valiantly for the past decade.
Will Hull sell?
Hull City’s position in the table doesn’t give them a strong standing point in negotiations and their chances of keeping Maguire will look minimal if the Tigers are to be relegated. Whilst Marco Silva has improved the club’s fortunes, Hull still sit in the relegation zone and are three points behind Swansea City- whilst Middlesbrough and Sunderland below them have a game in hand.
Even if Hull survive the threat of relegation, Maguire would not be blamed if he was to push for an exit and Everton would be the ideal stepping stone for the youngster, as the guidance of a world-class manager like Koeman would be superb.
Learning from the likes of Ashley Williams and Leighton Baines would also be beneficial, whilst Maguire would join a side breaming with young talent and one that has a great future there for the taking.
