Could more experience be the key to unlock the youthful potential of Everton's defence?

The Liverpool Echo are reporting that Everton are weighing up a possible deal for former Aston Villa defender Ron Vlaar.

Vlaar left Villa at the end of last season after turning down a new deal but suffered a knee injury over the summer meaning he has yet to find a new club.

The 30-year-old is now on the mend and reportedly keen on staying in the Premier League, though the Echo also claims AC Milan and Inter Milan are interested.

The report also insists any deal for Vlaar would not mean the departure of John Stones, or any other first-choice defender.

He would instead act as experienced back-up, a wise old head to help the youngsters that have occupied the Everton back line this season.

Vlaar made close to 90 appearances for Aston Villa, many of those as captain, and was a regular in the Netherlands squad, including the side that came third at the 2014 World Cup.

His experience and know-how would certainly be of benefit to Tyias Browning and Brendan Galloway, while John Stones and Ramiro Funes Mori would learn from the former AZ and Feyenoord stopper.

However, would his presence in the first-team squad deny youngsters the greatest experience available - first-team football?

Is it better to throw the kids in at the deep end or surround them with older players to learn from, often from the position of the substitutes bench?

Have your say on the possible signing of Vlaar in the comments below!