da dobrowin： According to reports from the Mirror, Everton are ready to battle West Ham United, Stoke City and Sunderland to sign versatile Dynamo Kiev defender Domagoj Vida this summer.
da cassino： Ronald Koeman is looking to strengthen his defensive options with Phil Jagielka’s future uncertain and Ashley Williams not getting any younger, while Ramiro Funes Mori and Seamus Coleman picked up injuries on international duty last week.
And the Dutchman is said to be taking a closer look at 27-year-old Vida, whose contract with the Ukrainian giants runs out in the summer of 2018.
Although there are understood to be four clubs in the race to bring the Croatia international to England, it could soon become three if Sunderland are relegated to the Championship – David Moyes’ men are currently bottom of the Premier League table and some way from safety.
Here are THREE reasons Everton must beat their Premier League rivals to the signature of Vida…
Versatility
One of the things that will have impressed Koeman most about the Croatia international is his ability to play in any of the positions across the back four.
Following recent injuries – as well as the fact the likes of Jagielka and Williams are approaching the twilight years of their career – it is a trait that could prove to be a very attractive proposition for the Toffees manager.
The Dutchman wants his side to be challenging for the Champions League spots next term, and this is the sort of addition to the squad that can take them there.
Cover for Seamus Coleman
Following the double leg break Coleman suffered against Wales while playing for the Republic of Ireland last weekend, Koeman has been left short in the right-back position.
While he is likely to call on young Mason Holgate for the remainder of the campaign, he could look to bring in a new player in the summer.
However, Vida has the ability to kill two birds with one stone as he could easily revert to centre-back when Coleman makes his return to action.
Price tag
With his contract due to run out next summer and few signs that he will sign a new one, Dynamo Kiev could choose to cash in on the 27-year-old at the end of the season.
With just a year remaining on his deal the Croatia international is likely to be available for a reduced fee, and having made almost 50 appearances for his country, he could prove to be something of a bargain addition at Goodison Park.