Everton planning move for £18 million Barcelona target who is soon to be a free agent

Everton finally strengthened the right back department this January, signing youngster Nathan Patterson from Rangers. It appears that the Toffees are not done yet and plan to further reinforce the right back position, eyeing Ajax right back Noussair Mazaroui.

For a couple of years, the right back area is crying out for upgrades as age catches onto Seamus Coleman. The Irishman has performed the duties of the right back for over a decade and is one of the most loyal icons at the club. But, sadly, time waits for no man. The 33 year old has slowed down, resulting in a drop in performances.

The Toffees had been trying to get a long term successor to Coleman for two seasons. Max Aarons, Diogo Dalot, Mehmet Zeki Celik and others have been linked but a move didn’t materialize. The Toffees saw two of their bids rejected for Patterson in the summer. Finally, this January, the Scotsman made the switch for £12 million plus add-ons.

The 20 year old is an exciting youngster who still has to adjust to the Premier League. He won’t become a starter straight away. Irrespective of who becomes the next Everton boss, Coleman is likely to still remain the first choice for the current season. Yet, the Royal Blues are looking for a right back.

Everton eye Noussair Mazaroui

According to journalist Ryan Taylor, Mazaroui is a player that interests Everton. The Daily Express journalist spoke on his YouTube Channel, indicating that Everton want to bring another right back in the summer and Mazaroui is one of the players they are looking at.

"I know [Noussiar] Mazaroui, the Ajax right back is a player being lined up for the summer. They want to bring in another right back even though they signed Patterson. They want someone who could potentially slot straight into the team with Coleman expected to take up a more experienced role within the squad so as a squad player and a leader from the outside, sort of what we saw from Leighton Baines in his final years.I know Max Aarons is a player of interest, so it will be interesting to see what happens with him, but, don’t expect movement in terms of right back this month. (Ryan Taylor via Taylor talks Transfers)"

Mazaroui’s contract with the Dutch giants expires this summer and he has already been courted by Barcelona. The Blaugrana are admirers of the Moroccan and want to sign him on a free transfer.

The path to acquiring the services of Mazaroui seems difficult given the interest of elite clubs like Barcelona. Nonetheless, Toffees eyeing another right back does indicate that Patterson’s inclusion wont be fast tracked and he will gently be included in the first team dynamics. As Coleman’s presence recedes, Patterson’s inclusion is bound to increase.

Will the Toffees manage to beat Barcelona and sign Noussair Mazaroui?