According to The Sun, Everton have joined Stoke City and Crystal Palace in the battle to land West Ham defender James Collins, and could snap him up for £2million.
Michael Keane’s arrival from Burnley had appeared to have helped beef up the Toffee’s rearguard for 2017-18, only for a huge injury blow to dent that assurance.
Argentina international Ramiro Funes Mori picked up a knee injury during March’s international break, and is set to spend up to 9 months on the sidelines as he recuperates from a surgical procedure carried out on his knee.
Everton boss Ronald Koeman therefore wants a cover in centre-defence, hence, the Collins links.
The 33-year-old Wales international has 12 months left on his current deal at West Ham, and could be allowed to leave if no extension agreement is reached.
As far as reliable backup defenders go, Collins ticks all the boxes putting his Premier League experience (266 appearances) into consideration. His aerial prowess also makes him an occasional goal threat.
Everton have to shoo off competition in order to have a good chance of landing him, though.
