Will Everton boss Benitez make right-back a priority in January

Everton manager Rafa Benitez has been again talking about his priorities for the upcoming January transfer window and whether he might make a move for a right-back.

Well, according to the Liverpool Echo anyway he has hinted at a possible move for a new player in a position where Everton have been searching for reinforcements for a long time.

I say searching for reinforcements but at times, it hasn’t felt as though it’s actually been that much of a priority for past managers and the club.

Transfer windows have come and gone without the Toffees’ signing anyone new at right-back despite having money then and plenty of time to plan for a successor to an ageing and injury-prone Seamus Coleman.

The only other specialist right-back in the squad is Jonjo Kenny and while Benitez praised his professional attitude, he hasn’t given him any game time, even when Coleman has been out again this season.

So it doesn’t appear as though he thinks the young academy graduate has what it takes to play in the Premier League.

The Blues’ did try to add a new full-back on deadline day this summer. But, after a slightly farcical two and fro, their main target Arsenal’s Ainsley Maitland-Niles (who claimed he wanted to move) was prevented from leaving London and Everton were left without a new right-back yet again.

Interstingly, there are new reports in the media that Maitland-Niles is annoyed that after seeing a move to Goodison Park blocked by his club, he has once again seen little playing time at the Emirates and wants to revive a potential transfer next month.

The Mail claim Arsenal might have to consider a deal in January as his contract is running out in eighteen months time. So, will Everton go back in for him?

Obviously someone at the club was keen on the 24-year-old but the question is was that Benitez or Marcel Brands who has of course now left the club?

Maitland-Niles has become a victim of his versatility and this has meant he hasn’t found a specialist position which is perhaps partly why he can’t get a regular place in Arsenal’s team.

Talking about that versatility Maitland-Niles best position seems to be in midifield and not full-back, although he has played left-back for Arsenal, so he doesn’t appear to be a natural replacement for Coleman.

Might he end up playing left-back at Everton if he signs given that there appears to be a rift between Lucas Digne and Benitez, which might see the Frenchman leave? I suppose we will find out all of this in a few weeks time when the window opens.