Everton boss a ‘big fan’ of Trippier

As Everton mull over possible successors to Seamus Coleman one player apparently much-admired by the Toffees boss, is Kieran Trippier.

The issue of a long-term successor to the Irish right-back has been one that Everton have been wrestling with for quite a while.

Coleman has been a fine servant of the Blues for many years and has certainly proved to be a real bargain buy, famously costing only around £60,000. In recent seasons though he’s struggled with a succession of injuries.

This last summer Everton were linked with a host of new right-backs but in the end didn’t sign anyone and with doubts about young reserve Jonjo Kenny, Coleman continued as first choice when this season started.

Although he’s played well at times this season and especially early on seemed totally rejuvenated, Coleman has had a lot of injury problems again, which have kept him out of a number of matches.

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In his absence Mason Holgate has filled in very competently but he doesn’t offer the attacking flair generally needed forma modern full-back and is probably not a long-term option in that position.

Anyway one player who could certainly solve the Toffees right-back issues is ex-Spurs and England full-back Kieran Trippier.

The 30-year-old is an outstanding right-back or midfielder who combines excellent defensive qualities with the ability to create chances and goals too. He can also play on the other flank as well.

And Carlo Ancelotti is supposedly a big admirer of him as well. He allegedly wanted to sign Trippier when he was at Napoli but the Italian club didn’t go for it.

Well the England man would be a terrific signing for the Blues and is obviously a player who knows the Premier League well. Although at 30 there is a question mark about his age and how long he would continue to be at the top of his game.

Of course he’s currently at Atletico Madrid. Given how good he has been for them and that he’s a regular starting player, it seems very unlikely they will sell the full-back unless there’s a big offer on the table.

However, like other Spanish clubs Atletico are under real pressure financially and so players may be available this summer who otherwise might not usually be for sale. That’s especially the case with older players who could be coming to the end of contracts and are on big money.

It looks as though Kenny might be leaving for Burnley, possibly in this window so Everton will need to consider signing a new right-back this summer.

A deal for Trippier though seems a long shot and I rather think Everton will be scouring the continent for younger and presumably cheaper players to take to Goodison Park.