Ahead of the January 2016 transfer window, Roberto Martinez was keen to sign a defender as Everton were pretty flaky at the back.
After finishing 11th the previous season, Martinez was under pressure to kick on and push Everton back up the league.
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The Toffees were again around mid-table coming into the winter, so the Spaniard had his eyes set on a towering central defender to bring more solidity.
Martinez actually pushed the club to sign a five-time Premier League winner and former Manchester United star, but ultimately the deal failed to materialise.
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Everton once tried to sign Nemanja Vidic
Back in December 2015, it was reported by the Daily Express that Everton were lining up a move to sign Nemanja Vidic.
The former Man United centre-back was plying his trade at Serie A giants Inter Milan at the time, but was free to leave having not played due to injury.
Aston Villa were rivalling Everton for Vidic’s signature, but the deal fell through for both clubs as the Serbian decided to retire.
“The time has come for me to hang up my boots,” Vidic told Man United’s website.
“The injuries I have had in the last few years have taken their toll.
“I would like to thank all the players I have played with, all the managers and staff I have worked with, and say a big thank you to the fans for their support over the years.”
Who did Everton sign that window instead?
Well, Everton didn’t end up signing a centre-back in the 2016 January transfer window. Instead, they brought in two strikers.
The Toffees shelled out around £13.5m on Oumar Niasse’s signature from Lokomotiv Moscow and another £3m on Shani Tarashaj from Grasshoppers.
Neither of them turned out to be successful on Merseyside, and Tarashaj actually never played for the first team.
Niasse netted nine goals in 42 appearances for the club before leaving upon the expiry of his contract in 2020.
Niasse has recently been playing for non-league side Wythenshawe FC.
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