Everton are interested in Athletic Bilbao defender Unai Nunez, according to reports.
The 22-year has drawn the interest of the Premier League outfit, who are in desperate need of defensive recruits in January.
With just Michael Keane, Yerry Mina and Mason Holgate as senior centre-back options, the club need to strengthen in that position, with disaster potentially looming if injury were to strike.
According to Football Insider, Everton have had scouts watch Nunez on a number of occasions, with the Spaniard high on Everton’s wish list.
Nunez, who made his international debut last month, has been compared to former Bilbao defender and Manchester City star Aymeric Laporte in his style of play.
The defender has only made three appearances for the Basque side this season, having fallen behind Inigo Martinez following his return from injury.
Read Everton Verdict
Nunez certainly falls within Marcel Brands’ recruitment parameters. He is young and promising, and will likely develop into a much better player than his initial investment would suggest.
Football Insider’s report doesn’t suggest a transfer fee for Nunez, but Transfermarkt (take with a pinch of salt) has his valuation at £13.5million, with his contract set to expire in 2023.
Nunez would definitely represent a cheaper option than other targets such as Kurt Zouma, and with his game time having waned at San Mames, Everton could feel that they have a good chance of luring him away from La Liga.
