Much of Everton’s transfer business this summer could depend on whether they qualify for Europe.
A win over Arsenal last Friday has lifted them closer to the continental places and with a game in hand, they could move to within three points of the fourth spot.
It has been a fantastic season for Carlo Ancelotti’s men and if they do enter the Champions League, there will be a greater lure to playing at Goodison Park.
One area they’re looking to bolster in the window is at right-back.
Seamus Coleman will have just a year left on his Toffees contract and at the age of 32, he is no spring chicken anymore.
Fortunately, they have identified a number of replacements. Kieran Trippier is one name Marcel Brands is attracted by but Max Aarons and Tariq Lamptey have both been on their radar.
Everton are reportedly in advanced discussions to sign Aarons from Norwich and have been since February. A deal hasn’t been agreed yet but it could be in the not too distant future.
Though, Brands and Ancelotti should forget about a move for the Norwich full-back and focus on Lamptey instead.
The 20-year-old penned a new £40k-per-week contract with Brighton a few months ago but The Athletic claim Everton are undeterred by this.
He’d be a better signing for a number of reasons, not least the fact that he’s been shining in the Premier League this term.
Aarons did, of course, feature strongly in the top-flight for the Canaries last season but Lamptey has shown better defensive resolve.
If we compare their first full seasons in the Premier League, it’s the Seagulls defender who comes out on top in terms of tackling and interceptions. In 2019/20, Aarons won 1.3 tackles and one interception per game despite Norwich possessing the worst defensive record in the division.
Lamptey, however, has won 1.5 tackles per match this term and has displayed supreme reading of the game, making 1.7 interceptions.
A flying full-back, the former Chelsea youngster is also more adept with the ball at his feet, causing chaos for opposition defences. He has performed 1.4 dribbles per game throughout his time with Brighton, being fouled 2.3 times per game.
Aarons, on the other hand, made 1.3 dribbles last season but was only fouled 1.4 times an appearance.
Speaking about Lamptey’s qualities earlier this term, Noel Whelan told Football Insider: “I have loved Lamptey since he has come onto the scene. He is very exciting, loads of energy, gets forward, gets in good areas, create chances, box-to-box and has a goal in him. He is such an exciting young player.”
Indeed, he is one of the quickest players in the Premier League, using frightening speed to either make a recovering tackle or to stride forward on the overlap.
His Brighton teammate, Neal Maupay added: "This kid doesn't have limits. He is 19 [Now 20] and playing at such a high level."
Evidently, Lamptey has made a bigger splash at this level than Aarons has in his career so far.
Brands must ensure it’s the Brighton star they lure to Merseyside this summer.
Aarons, on the other hand, made 1.3 dribbles last season but was only fouled 1.4 times an appearance.
Speaking about Lamptey’s qualities earlier this term, Noel Whelan told Football Insider: “I have loved Lamptey since he has come onto the scene. He is very exciting, loads of energy, gets forward, gets in good areas, create chances, box-to-box and has a goal in him. He is such an exciting young player.”
Indeed, he is one of the quickest players in the Premier League, using frightening speed to either make a recovering tackle or to stride forward on the overlap.
His Brighton teammate, Neal Maupay added: "This kid doesn't have limits. He is 19 [Now 20] and playing at such a high level."
Evidently, Lamptey has made a bigger splash at this level than Aarons has in his career so far.
Brands must ensure it’s the Brighton star they lure to Merseyside this summer.