Everton scout German international ahead of possible transfer

Everton’s dire need for a second left back on their roster isn’t exactly a secret. If Leighton Baines (who is aging rather rapidly this season to begin with) needs a rest or picks up a knock, the situation goes from dire to disaster with the quickness.

Ramiro Funes Mori’s long term injury absence certainly hasn’t helped, but the Argentine is a center back, anyway. Everton have today been linked with Manchester United’s outcast left back Luke Shaw, but perhaps the more intriguing option is RB Leipzig’s Marcel Halstenberg.

As reported by the Daily Mail, multiple English clubs - including Everton - sent scouts to Wembley last week with the objective of assessing the German defender.

Halstenberg, 26, has been a key figure in Leipzig’s rise to the upper reaches of the Bundesliga. Strangely, TransferMarkt has the German’s estimated value at just £5.4 million, which seems like a steal.

A defense-first type of player, Halstenberg also has a little experience at center back and in defensive midfield. It’s that kind of versatility off the bench or in the starting eleven that Everton are going to need in the coming years if they’re to take any serious steps forward.

Furthermore, it’s past time to start thinking about Leighton Baines’ long term replacement. I know - I’m sad, too. But these are the realities of the Premier League in 2017.

Marcel Halstenberg, if truly attainable, could solve several issues for Everton. Which means it probably won’t happen.