Everton have been linked with a number of defenders since Rafa Benitez entered the club but he is yet to conclude a single deal.
Work will be underway behind the scenes but Marcel Brands and co will have to go the extra distance in order to live up to the promises they made to the new manager.
What’s the word?
Everton could still make a mega-money move for Brighton defender Ben White this summer but they have other options in mind if he prefers a switch elsewhere.
Merih Demiral has been on their radar but full-back is also a priority for Benitez. Denzel Dumfries continues to be linked after a stunning European Championships, for instance.
However, according to 90min, Norwich City right-back Max Aarons is still an option.
Aarons has been the subject of their attention for a good few months now but a fresh report states that there is a direct line of communication between the Canaries and Everton.
A deal for the youngster could cost around £30m.
Benitez needs him
With Seamus Coleman the only viable option at right-back heading into the new season, the Toffees desperately need to add another player in that position to their ranks.
The price tag for Aarons is steep but for an English defender, it’s hardly a surprise.
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Coleman could depart in a year’s time once his contract expires and they need a player in place to take up his position.
It could also lead to an improved defensive record next season.
Aarons was part of the horrendous Norwich side that got relegated in 2019/20 but proved his quality in the Championship again last season.
The Englishman, who’s been described as “outstanding” by Daniel Farke, registered four goal involvements, putting in some wonderful displays from an offensive point of view.
He recorded 1.4 key passes per game and beat players with relative ease, succeeding with 1.4 dribbles per match as well.
For context, the full-back was just 0.1 behind Lucas Digne in terms of chance creation but his dribbles were streets ahead. In fact, no other defender managed more successful take-ons than the Everton target last season.
The Toffees have enjoyed great success with Ben Godfrey since he made the switch from Norfolk so Benitez will be hoping for a similar impact from Aarons if he joins.