With the Alistair Johnston deal stalling, the Toffees might pivot. Explore three tactical alternatives, from versatile free agents to attacking dynamos, to finally solve a long-standing defensive crisis.
More Videos
That's right, we're here talking about the right-back situation still.
It's becoming a little tedious, and incredibly disappointing that after all these years it's a problem that's still unsolved.
Everton have pursued Celtic right-back Alistair Johnston, but a deal doesn't appear to be advancing at the moment due to the Toffees failing to meet the valuation as it stands.
That's certainly not a bad thing. If Everton feel Celtic are charging above what they value him at, then it's right to walk away.
The Toffees might not have walked away just yet, but they are standing firm with their stance. Will Johnston eventually arrive? It still feels possible, but Everton need to have some alternative targets lined up just in case.
We're going to look through some potential alternative targets to the Celtic defender.
Krepin Diatta
Krepin Diatta left Monaco earlier this summer following the expiration of his contract. The Senegalese international is a versatile player, who can play either side of the defence, or further forward as a winger.
Over his last 30 appearances, Diatta has played 63% of his games at right-back, and 23% at right wing-back.
Diatta is a strong duel-winner, and something that David Moyes would like, is powerful in the air too, winning 60.3% of his aerial duels in Ligue 1 last season.
For me, it's a surprise we haven't seen strong links to Diatta given he's a free-agent, and he fits the mould that Moyes would like. Versatility, strong duel-winner, and good in the air.
Arnau Martinez
Another strong defensive right-back. Arnau Martinez is 23 years old, and has entered the final year of his contract at Girona, so it feels like a transfer could be possible for a reasonable fee.
Martinez isn't the most creative right-back, but he was playing in a disappointing Girona side last season.
Interestingly, he's actually scored in Girona's last two games. A recent friendly against Arsenal, and his final La Liga game of the season against Elche.
Martinez can play on either side of defence, which would be useful, and he's a player that likes to get the ball out of his feet and play progressively, finding his winger before looking to join in the attack.
Martinez is more in the defensive mould than I would like, but if we're thinking realistic targets for Everton under Moyes, he could be an option.
Ridle Baku is certainly a player who is more of an attacking option. He's an incredibly progressive player, whether that be through his passing or carrying the ball.
Baku is someone who always looks to create and play positively, but that is helped by the fact that he was playing in a strong RB Leipzig side.
Baku is a well-rounded defender, strong defensively but also a player who loves to get forward and make things happen in the final third. It feels like getting him out of RB Leipzig wouldn't be easy after they qualified for the Champions League with him playing a crucial role.
Baku has been linked with a move to Everton, and although he's the kind of right-back I would like to see profile wise, it's a difficult one considering he's now 28.