Roberto Martinez is set to delve into the January transfer window as he looks for cover at right-back, according to the Liverpool Echo.
Seamus Coleman and Tyias Browning have both suffered injuries that will sideline them for a substantial period of time, while Tony Hibbert is experiencing the twilight stages of his career.
Martinez said:
We have players in the squad who can play in that right-back slot but it’s an area we will look at in this market to see if there’s anyone we can bring in, not just someone for the sake of it, but someone who can help us in that role.
Coleman suffered an injury in Everton’s League Cup semi-final win over Manchester City on Wednesday and is set to be out for a month, Browning is out for the rest of the season with a knee problem, while Hibbert has an ongoing calf issue
The Blues have been heavily linked with Leeds United’s Sam Byram over the last few days, and with his contract running out at the end of the season, the 22-year-old looks set to leave Elland Road.
John Stones has played at right-back on numerous occasions during Martinez’s Everton tenure, the Catalonian is reluctant to shoehorn the former Barnsley boy to full-back
Martinez said:
“If you move him you lose two players,” “We won’t do that. John can play as a right back and he will always give you that option but I think at the moment we need to be strong and balanced in the squad.
“John Stones as a right back would be losing one of the best centre-halfs in world football.”
