According to reports, Merseyside club Everton are now eyeing a move for West Ham United centre half Winston Reid. The New Zealand international had an impressive season with the Hammers last term before he went down with a shin injury at the end of the season. But, it was more than enough to get the attention of Everton boss Ronald Koeman.
Everton are probably one of the most exciting sides to play in the Premier League next season, following their magnificent transfer business. The Dutch gaffer has managed to bring in some of the most exciting talents to plug in all the gaps that had appeared last season. Almost every position has seen an upgrade this summer.
However, their playing in the Europa League means the Toffees would need a stronger bench to pose a serious challenge in the second-tier European tournament. And defence still remains a crisis position for them even with the addition of Michael Keane from Burnley. The injury to Argentine Ramiro Funes Mori had created a huge void for Koeman in the closing stages of last season, something which he is yet to fill properly.
While the timely return of Phil Jagielka saved them the blushes, Koeman wouldn’t want to be in a similar situation again next season. In Ashley Williams and Keane, Everton surely have one of the best defensive duos in the league now but the midweek fixtures mean, Koeman has to deploy one of them again alongside Jagielka.
And here is the role that Winston Reid is expected to fill. The 29-year-old has returned to training from his injury and was a part of West Ham’s Austria tour. He expects to start playing fully in the next two weeks and Everton are eying to get him before the season commences in two weeks’ time.
A centre half by nature, the 190cm defender is very well suited to the playing style of the Premier League. His ability to block the ball was one of the positives for the Hammers last season. He has been one of the most discipline centre halves too, who has been equally effective going up as and when needed.
Reid even managed to bag two goals and register two assists in 30 league appearances. The academy product of Danish side FC Midtjylland, Reid was picked up by the Hammers back in 2010. And the Auckland-born player has since been one of the most consistent players, playing over 200 games for them.
