Everton are nearing their second signing of the summer, with Fulham right-back Kenny Tete supposedly agreeing to a deal once his current contract runs out at the end of this month.
The ever-reliable Fabrizio Romano is reporting that Tete and Everton have "reached a verbal agreement" and that he will sign a three year deal as a free agent.
The Dutch international will turn 30 in early October, so he cannot be a long term answer like a younger option would be, but his presence could allow Everton to bring in another player at the position as a development guy, and allow someone like Nathan Patterson to go out loan or be sold.
Tete, who was listed among our out-of-contract players to watch before the season ended, will likely slide in as Everton's first-choice right back immediately, as he's proven to be a solid defensive fullback during his career. He'll provide something going forward, with 14 goal contributions in 5 seasons at Fulham, although he won't add much in the way of goals of his own making.
His age, as mentioned, is a little older than the transfer sweetspot you'd prefer Everton to work within, but Tete's addition could be similar to the signing of James Tarkowski a few summers ago. It's not a spectacular, franchise-altering move, but like Tark, Tete will be good enough to be depended upon to be the regular starter while the Toffees figure out the next step.
For a club that has struggled to find a long-term replacement for Seamus Coleman, whose future is still uncertain at this point, Tete should be a good bridge to whoever is next, but it cannot allow Everton to be complacement, as a younger second choice who fits what David Moyes wants to do could also be on the summer wish list.
But now, with what should hopefully be a reasonable contract for Tete and no transfer fee required, Everton need to use the money saved to add to depth in midfield and find a dynamic right winger to line up in front of Tete.