Everton Close in on Signing of Southampton Defender as Replacement for Injured Seamus Coleman

?Everton are understood to be on the verge of making Cuco Martina their first summer signing, having lined up the Southampton man as a replacement for the stricken Seamus Coleman.

Ronald Koeman wants a new right-back in his side, having lost the Irishman to a devastating injury during the last international break. 

Coleman shattered both the fibula and tibia in his right leg after a challenge from Wales’ Neil Taylor back in March and is set to miss a chunk of next season. 

According to the Independent, Koeman has identified Martina – whom he signed for Southampton two years ago – as a fitting replacement.

The Dutchman does have Mason Holgate at his disposal, but he would rather it if there was competition for the 20-year-old, who performed admirably in Coleman’s stead after the injury.

Martina is now a free agent, so it would cost the the Toffees nothing to get him. He made 15 Premier League appearances under Claude Puel during the season, and was not handed an extension, leaving him free to move on in the summer.

The Saints, meanwhile, are said to be considering an ambitious swoop for Thomas Tuchel as a replacement for Puel.

The German was let go by Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday, despite leading the side to the German Cup. And Southampton are in pole position to sign him, according to various sources.

Kavan Flavius is a regular contributor to the Official Chelsea Guest Fan Blog, find him on Twitter @KavanFlavius.