While Everton had a great summer transfer window in hindsight, there is one issue in the squad they failed to resolve, and that is their need for a right-back.
Captain Seamus Coleman remains first choice in the position, and Carlo Ancelotti is a fan of the player, but it is clear that a replacement is needed sooner rather than later.
Similarly, the need for a back up to the Republic of Ireland captain is also evident, with Jonjoe Kenny seemingly deemed not up to the task.
It’s an issue that Everton have navigated well so far this season as Mason Holgate has filled in superbly when needed.
That is Atlético Madrid defender Kieran Trippier, who Ancelotti is apparently a big fan of, and tried to take to Napoli according to Valter de Maggio.
“Carlo Ancelotti recommended a player to Aurelio De Laurentiis, it was Trippier,” he told Radio Goal, relayed by Area Napoli.
“The owner of the Azzurri, however, preferred not to make a move for the right-back.
“Trippier can also act as a right midfielder and has a price tag of around 20 million.”
Now, there’s no hint that Ancelotti would still want Trippier now he’s been at Everton for just over a year, but it’s certainly something that would make sense short-term.
Whether the England man would return from Spain, where he’s fully enjoyed himself since the move from Tottenham, is also debatable at this point.
However, if you happen to see Everton linked in the coming months, it may be worth keeping an eye on, with Ancelotti apparently a big fan.
