Everton’s search for a new right-back has taken them to the Africa Cup of Nations, as the need to improve in that position becomes clear.
The Toffees have a number of areas that need addressing in the January transfer window, but perhaps none greater than at right-back.
David Moyes returned Nathan Patterson to the starting XI on Tuesday evening for the game against Nottingham Forest.
This just goes to show how stretched the options are considering Everton tried to sell Patterson over the summer window.
For Everton, a new right-back in January is at the top of the list when it comes to priorities and there are already a number on the radar.
There is even one right-back who has received the praise of renowned striker Victor Osimhen.
Everton eyeing Blackburn Rovers right-back Ryan Alebiosu
Everton are keen to sign a new right-back as Seamus Coleman prepares for his potential departure at the end of the season.
Injuries across the pitch have now seen Patterson become Everton’s only fit, senior right-back at Moyes’ disposal.
According to ESPN, Everton are now eyeing Blackburn Rovers right-back Ryan Alebiosu as an option.
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There is one catch as the Nigeria international is currently away at the Africa Cup of Nations representing his country.
Therefore, any deal to bring him from Ewood Park to the Hill Dickinson Stadium will not be done until later on in the month.
It is believed Alebiosu could only cost Everton in the region of £4m.
Everton were considering offloading Patterson in January, but the issues in that position may well have changed those plans.
Alebiosu is, however, a player who could arrive with big praise from Osimhen.
What Victor Osimhen said about Ryan Alebiosu
Everton are also in need of a top-quality striker this month to add to two goals which Thierno Barry has netted this season.
However, they will have to settle for the approval of Alebiosu from Osimhen for now.
“He has been doing amazingly well even before he came to the Super Eagles,” said the Galatasaray striker.
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“When he came to us, with his training, he’s an exceptional player. I want to use this opportunity to say get well soon because he actually had a very bad injury in the first half but he kept on playing. The injury was really bad.”
Alebiosu suffered a cut to his foot during the game, but he was able to play on.
As Everton eye a right-back addition, this is a player who comes with some really high praise from one of the top strikers in the game.
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