Everton explored a move for RB Leipzig’s Ridle Baku alongside Alistair Johnston in their quest to land a right-back, according to The Athletic.
The German international was another name considered at the Hill Dickinson as David Moyes searched for a long-term successor to Seamus Coleman.
Baku, 28, has made himself one of the Bundesliga’s more reliable full-backs since joining Leipzig from Wolfsburg last year, capable of playing right-back or further forward on the wing.
It’s the latest sign of how wide Everton have cast the net at right-back this summer.
Nahuel Molina has also been linked, with reports in Italy claiming Everton have opened talks with the Atletico Madrid defender. Djed Spence and Rico Lewis were mentioned earlier in the window too. Baris Alper Yilmaz also continues to be discussed as a versatile alternative, although he is essentially a winger who can also play as a wing-back.
None of that has stopped Johnston emerging as the clear priority. Celtic manager Martin O’Neill has confirmed contact from David Moyes over a move, and Everton are believed to have offered a package worth up to £15m, though Celtic’s valuation is understood to sit higher.
With pre-season winding down and the opening weekend approaching, Moyes will be hoping the alternatives explored earlier in the window don’t end up being needed after all.
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