Niels Nkounkou of Marseille during the Friendly match between Marseille and Beziers on July 11, 2018 in Montpellier, France. (Photo by Alexandre Dimou/Icon Sport via Getty Images)
As per Sports Witness (h/t Liverpool Echo), Everton are interested in signing Marseille full-back Niels Nkounkou when the transfer window opens.
The 19-year-old came through the youth ranks of Stade Brest and joined Marseille’s U-19 side in November 2017. A few months later, he was promoted to the former’s B side and has impressed for Marseille’s youth teams.
The youngster’s impressive performances have also attracted interest from rivals Nice and La Liga giants Barcelona, as per the report. It also suggests that Nkounkou is yet to agree to a professional deal with Marseille. Thus, Everton should make a move for the Frenchman at the earliest.
The Toffees have endured a mixed campaign so far. After the sacking of Marco Silva, they seemed to do well under interim head Duncan Ferguson but the results didn’t last long. Carlo Ancelotti’s era got off to a good start but they have failed to carry the momentum forward.
Without a win in any of their last three league games, Everton have fallen to 12th place in the league table. They have been inconsistent throughout the campaign, except for Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
The forward duo has combined to score 23 of their 37 league goals and they have received less support from the midfield. It is obvious that Ancelotti should bring reinforcements to their creative department, something the Toffees have lacked the entire season.
The defence has also not been strong, conceding 46 goals in the league so far. With just three centre-backs in their ranks, the manager should focus on strengthening the backline.
Apart from that, the Toffees also need a left-back. Lucas Digne and Leighton Baines are the only two options available on the left side of the defence. The Frenchman has been a regular since his arrival in the summer of 2018.
In 26 games, he has provided 6 assists and is the club’s top assist-provider. Baines (35) has featured in just 5 games this term. The former English international is reaching the back end of his career and could step down at any moment. This would leave them with just one established left-back.
In that regard, signing Nkounkou would be a shrewd piece of business for the Toffees. The teenager’s rise has been promising in the past two seasons and he has also made it to Marseille’s first-team on two occasions this term. He is also a regular member of the French U19 squad.
With Baines already 35 and the Toffees having limited options at left-back, Everton should look to strengthen that position. And Nkounkou would be the right choice as a backup for Digne. He could develop himself under Ancelotti and is also capable of representing the Toffees in the long run.
