What Blackburn Rovers are now saying about Everton and Ryan Alebiosu as Toffees eye right-back

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Everton now have an even greater need for a new right-back.

David Moyes has been using Jake O’Brien in that area so far this season, despite the Irishman being a centre-back by trade.

However, the Everton No.15 is now likely to get a run in his natural position after Michael Keane was sent off in the 1-1 draw against Wolves, earning himself a three-match ban.

It feels like the plan is for O’Brien to play there regularly as several right-backs are targeted, such as Zakaria El Ouahdi, who Crystal Palace also want.

Everton also like Ryan Alebiosu of Blackburn, and sources close to the Championship outfit have now shared an update.

Blackburn insist Everton are yet to make an approach for Ryan Alebiosu

The Lancashire Telegraph now provide a brief update on the situation, claiming that Everton have not been in touch with Blackburn about signing the Nigeria international so far this month.

It suggests – in our view at least – that Alebiosu is not a priority target for the Toffees this winter as we find ourselves eight days into January.

If Everton really were determined to sign the 24-year-old, then we would have at least expected some initial contact to be made by this stage.

Alebiosu – who Victor Osimhen admires – has scored one goal and provided two assists in 20 Championship appearances so far this season, helping Blackburn sit 20th in the table.

The Lancashire Telegraph add that Blackburn would be in a strong negotiating position regardless if Everton do make an approach, having only signed the Nigerian from Kortrijk on a three-year deal in July 2025.

David Moyes has one slight problem to think about regarding Ryan Alebiosu

The Blackburn No.2 seems a talented footballer, but Moyes needs to consider the fact he has primarily been playing as a wing-back for the Championship side this season.

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Everton do not use a system involving wing-backs, so if a move happened, Alebiosu would not only need to adapt to Premier League football quickly, but he would also have to acclimatise to a slight positional change as well.

It feels like a risk to take a player shining in one position only to use him in a different role, so Everton should focus on signing a traditional right-back to suit the way Moyes plays.