Everton targeting long-term Baines replacement

Everton will have to battle Arsenal as they race for the signature of young left-back Josh Tymon of Hull City.

The two Premier League clubs have been linked with making a move for the player in the January transfer window, who has yet to sign his first professional contract.

Tymon made his first team debut for Hull City in January of this year in the FA Cup, and impressed on Wednesday night in the Tigers’ 2-1 win over Bristol City in the EFL Cup. The 17-year-old youngster has three England Under-17 caps as well.

With regular left-back Andy Robertson out for a couple of months with a calf injury, Tymon will likely get his Premier League bow on Saturday against Watford.

Hull are understood to be insistent on keeping hold of the player and will be offering him a contract sooner than later, though the Toffees and Gunners have reportedly been watching the player keenly.

Baines will turn 32 later this year, but has been plagued by injuries in the last couple of seasons, and has been out for over a month already this season. As a result, he has fallen away from contention for the England national team as well.

Left back is a contentious position at Everton, with Bryan Oviedo not considered to be good enough nor a permanent replacement, and youngster Luke Garbutt and Brendan Galloway sent away on loan. Garbutt has spent more time on loan over the last couple of years than at Finch Farm, while Galloway is a centerhalf who is being used out on the left at West Bromwich Albion where he’s struggled to make the first team.

After an underwhelming summer, the January transfer window will be crucial in determining how quickly Everton can make the leap back to European football.