Fichajes.net are reporting Rafael Benítez ‘asks Everton to sign Clément Lenglet’ in the summer window.
The Spaniard’s arrival has changed the Toffees transfer plans and the new manager wants to strengthen three positions [depending on exit operations].
Among them is a new defender and the Barcelona centre-back is identified as a target.
It’s claimed the former Liverpool manager has a ‘lot of problems’ in the heart of the back four.
That’s because he doesn’t trust Yerry Mina, who failed to impress for Colombia at the Copa América, and Benítez’s coaching staff weren’t pleased with his displays when they watched him in action for the Merseyside club.
Ben Godfrey and Mason Holgate are considered ‘too young’, and the 61-year-old wants an experienced name to partner Michael Keane. Therefore, Benítez has ‘asked the Everton board’ to sign Lenglet.
The coach wants his new club to take advantage of the fact the Frenchman’s price tag isn’t too high due to Barca’s economic situation and is also included Joan Laporta’s ‘discard list’. As per the report, Lenglet’s price tag is around €20m.
Benítez remains confident of recovering the best version of Lenglet, if Everton manage to secure his services.
With the manager making a request, it remains to be seen whether or not the Toffees will fulfil Benítez’s wish by signing the Barca player.
