Everton are eying a move for Ukraine international Mykola Matvienko, who could be the perfect replacement for Michael Keane.
What's the story?
According to reports from 90min.com, Everton are one of several clubs interested in the 25-year-old who currently plays in his homeland for Shakhtar Donetsk. However, due to the ongoing war in Ukraine, the league is currently suspended.
He is capable of playing at left-back and centre back and is rated at £9.9m, so could be available for a good price.
The Toffees will have to fend off interest from other Premier League clubs such as Brentford and West Ham who could also make the player a good offer.
He's better than Keane
Everton have the fifth worst defensive record in the Premier League this season and as a result it has left them in a fight to stay up.
One of the players at the heart of that is Michael Keane. He has been described as a "liability" in the Everton backline and it's about time they replaced him.
The £65k-a-week earning Keane simply hasn't been the answer to Frank Lampard's team's defensive issues.
Signing Matvienko could be the perfect answer to their problems and could provide the club with much needed defensive reinforcements heading into next season.
The centre-back already has 47 appearances for his nation so is an experienced international. His versatility could also benefit the Toffees massively.
When you compare his defensive record directly to Keane's he comes out on top. In his last full season Matvienko conceded an average of 0.68 goals per game compared to the Englishman's 1.2.
The Ukrainian also has experience playing in the Europa League and Champions League which can only be a plus. He also kept 13 clean sheets in 29 appearances for his club last season.
Given the interest the player is attracting and has had in the past, it would be a coup for Everton if they were able to secure his services.
Their defence this season has been described as "championship level" by Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher, and given their record it's hard to disagree.
If they do manage to retain their Premier League status then they'll need to make improvements, and bringing Matvienko to Goodison Park would be a good start.
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