Everton are reportedly ready to contest with Manchester United and Tottenham in order to sign Celtic defender Kieran Tierney, who is being rated at around £20million. The club are desperate to bolster the right back spot, especially after the injury to Seamus Coleman. Coleman, who is rated as one of the top players in his position in the Premier League, suffered a serious injury while on international duty with the Republic of Ireland. He is set to miss almost the first half of the 2017-18 campaign.
Everton have been able to manage his absence by using Mason Holgate. The latter has been able to perform exceptionally well since being drafted into the first-team. However, manager Ronald Koeman is thought to be concerned about his options in this position. Hence, the club will be making a concentrated effort in order to sign a new right back, especially with growing concerns about Coleman’s future at the club. The 28-year-old has been at Everton since 2009. He is one of the club’s long-standing names, but his contract expires in the summer of 2019. With just over two years left on his deal, there has been speculation about the player seeking a transfer in order to experience a new challenge.
In the last few years, Coleman has been linked with the likes of Manchester United. The Red Devils are on the lookout for a new right-back and an experienced player like Coleman would be a great addition to the squad.
Aware of the doubts surrounding Coleman’s future, Everton are seeking the transfer of Kieran Tierney from Celtic. The youngster has become one of the sought-after players in the British football. At just 19 years of age, he has already won the Scottish Premier League with Celtic. United are keen on signing the left-back as a replacement for Luke Shaw, while Spurs keen on bringing him as a potential backup for Danny Rose. Yet, both clubs may not be able to promise regular first-team football immediately upon his arrival.
Kieran Tierney may be a left back by trade, but he is capable of deputising in the right back position as well. Apart from the promise of regular first-team football, Everton will not be able to match other aspects of the transfer. Manchester United will be able to offer a significantly higher transfer fee, while they will also provide huge wages to start off with. It will be a similar story with regard to Spurs. Hence, Everton also have alternate plans on the mind with Southampton defender Cuco Martina rated as one of the options. The 27-year-old is out of contract in the summer and will be available for free, making him an extremely attractive proposition.