Everton looking to go Dutch for squad backups

Everton have made a right nuisance of themselves in this summer's transfer window after being linked with other Premier League team's targets, and in a couple of cases signing said players.

West Ham United fans for example are sick and tired of Everton, just months after claiming they were bigger than the Toffees. The same can soon be said of Crystal Palace, who lost Yannick Bolasie to the Blues last summer, Christian Benteke being linked with Everton recently, and now this.

And now the Echo are reporting that Everton are set to gazump Palace's negotiations for Ajax Amsterdam's versatile left back Jairo Riedewald. The 20-year-old can play center half and defensive midfielder as needed, and came through the youth team ranks at Ajax's famed academy. He has 3 international caps and featured in 93 games for the Ajax senior side with plenty of Champions League and Europa League experience.

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The Eagles are reportedly making a £8.6 million bid for the player to reunite him with his former Ajax manager Frank de Boer at Selhurst Park, but Ronald Koeman is said to be interested in trying to hijack that move. The Amsterdam club were reported as having allowed the player to talk to other clubs a few days ago.

Everton appear to have little cover for Leighton Baines, with Luke Garbutt the only player on the squad who can play in that position, and he wasn't even assigned a senior squad kit number today. His captain at Ajax was Davy Klaassen, who recently signed for the Blues, and his influence will no doubt be brought to bear as Everton attempt to seal his transfer.

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Another name linked with the Blues in the same story is Vitesse Arnhem goalkeeper Eloy Room. The 28-year-old goalie has plenty of senior team experience and would meet the criteria for Koeman wanting to have three shotstoppers.

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Joel Robles was demoted to the number 33 shirt earlier today, and was being linked with a return to Spain recently as well after losing his starting spot between the sticks to new signing Jordan Pickford. Maarten Stekelenburg is the third Everton goalie under contract.