Everton will aim to pull off a surprise Wolves coup for Conor Coady this summer, and their efforts could be aided by a recent arrival, TEAMtalk understands.
The Toffees are scrapping to stave off relegation in what has been a truly dismal campaign at Goodison Park. Frank Lampard’s men currently sit three points above the drop zone and their crunch clash with Burnley on Wednesday night could go a long way to determining each side’s fate this season.
While very few aspects of Everton’s team have worked well this summer, one particularly sour point has been their defence.
Michael Keane was the latest Toffees defender to struggle when receiving his marching orders against West Ham on Sunday.
Everton know they need to strengthen in defence this summer, and they are looking at differing options.
As such – and if they secure their Premier League status – one of those who has emerged as an option is England international Conor Coady.
The centre-back has been the bedrock of Wolves’ backline since arriving at Molineux in 2015.
Coady was with Wolves for three seasons in the Championship before seamlessly making the step up when they were promoted to the Premier League in 2018.
We understand Everton could make a move for the 29-year-old in the summer, though a deal is laced with difficulties.
Firstly, Liverpool-born Coady has three-years left on his current deal and would not come cheap. Secondly, he rose through Liverpool’s youth ranks and remains a fan of Everton’s bitter local rivals.
What’s more, Wolves have consistently challenged for the European places in recent seasons and continue to do so in the current campaign.
In contrast, Everton are scrapping for their lives at the foot of the table and even if they beat the drop, look unlikely to be challenging for Europe next season.
However, Lampard’s side may have one angle of attack that could bear fruit.
The Toffees recently appointed a new sporting director in the form of Kevin Thelwell.
Thelwell was at Wolves when Coady was signed in 2015 and Everton will be hopeful his influence can have a decisive say on Coady’s future.
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