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Everton linked again with Rojo

By Matt Townsend

KAZAN, RUSSIA - JUNE 30: Marcos Rojo of Argentina looks on during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Round of 16 match between France and Argentina at Kazan Arena on June 30, 2018 in Kazan, Russia. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
KAZAN, RUSSIA - JUNE 30: Marcos Rojo of Argentina looks on during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Round of 16 match between France and Argentina at Kazan Arena on June 30, 2018 in Kazan, Russia. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /
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In a quite period for transfer rumours, Everton have again been linked with making a move for the Manchester United defender Marcos Rojo.

This is a story that first surfaced in the summer as Everton searched for defensive reinforcements.

In the end the Blues signed Yerry Mina from Barcelona and then got Kurt Zouma from Chelsea on loan so any possible deal for Rojo faded.

But the rumour has re-surfaced now as the countdown to the January transfer window begins.

The Metro are saying that Everton have apparently already opened talks with the Argentine defender with a view to him moving to Goodison Park. This is despite the fact that Rojo only signed a new deal with United in March.

The paper claim that despite this Jose Mourinho is content to let him move on and leave Manchester United for pastures new.

The view is that this makes sense for the Blues given that Everton defender Phil Jagielka is unlikely at his age to get a new deal with the club.

And the fact that Zouma is only on loan from Chelsea and could well return there in the summer.

Whatever the exact reasoning behind such a move it does probably have the advantage that Rojo is an experienced and a versatile defender who can play centre-back or left-back.

So he would be able to strengthen the squad and provide the kind of cover Everton might need along with their other central defenders Michael Keane, Mason Holgate and Mina.

In other news Everton have two players likely to start for England tomorrow in their crunch Nations League game against Croatia at Wembley.

Jordan Pickford was always a certainty to play but it also seems possible that Keane will return to the national team after a period in international isolation.

That is a fitting reward for the fine defensive form Keane has shown in recent weeks for Everton.

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He had a shaky start to the season as the Blues struggled to find a settled backline and cope with a series of injuries. Keane of course was himself was one of those injured players.

But since returning to the team and playing alongside Zouma, Keane has re-discovered his best as the Toffees have tightened up considerably in defence.

He looked comfortable too last week alongside Mina in the match at Chelsea, indicating they might be able to form a strong partnership as well in the future.

This England game represents a good opportunity for him to consolidate a place in the national team and sustain his good form ready for the return of the Premier League next weekend.

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