Everton have explored the possibility of signing Spurs full-back Ryan Sessegnon this summer as Sean Dyche looks to rebuild the squad.
Indeed, the Blues have held genuine interest in the ‘excellent’ 23-year-old, though Everton’s hopes of landing the defender have taken a substantial blow.
As per reports in the Evening Standard, the former Fulham man has suffered a reoccurrence of a hamstring injury and has undergone surgery, which was considered a success.
Consequently, the left-back is expected to be sidelined until September, meaning a deal is unlikely to be agreed.
Everton are just one of many clubs who have looked at the young defender, with fellow Premier League sides Crystal Palace, Fulham and Nottingham Forest also linked, as well as reported interest from Portugal’s Benfica and Olympique Marseille of France.
As reported in The Times recently, Sean Dyche was keen to recruit a new left-back this summer with Ukrainian Vitalii Mykolenko struggling to meet the required standard.
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Injury stricken Ryan Sessegnon could be a gamble for Everton
At just 23-years-old, Sessegnon could have been a long-term left-back solution for the Toffees, though the young defender has been plagued with injuries in recent seasons and was absent from November onwards last year.
Everton have been strongly linked with veteran Ashley Young, with the versatile 38-year-old capable of fulfilling left-back duties, at least as a short-term solution.
Indeed, after his release from Aston Villa, Young is available on a free transfer, so he is a cost-effective purchase for the Blues.
Sean Dyche will need to be shrewd this summer given Everton’s financial limitations, though if the Toffees want to avoid a third successive relegation scrap, the club must invest in their threadbare squad.
A new left-back is no doubt a priority, though unfortunately for both Everton and Ryan Sessegnon, a deal for the 23-year-old seems unlikely.