Everton admire Newcastle United winger Jacob Murphy and might swoop to bring him to the Hill Dickinson Stadium this summer, according to the Daily Mail.
Everton signed Tyler Dibling last summer for big money, but he has struggled to get going in Merseyside.
However, Toffees boss David Moyes is backing him to find his footing after taking time to acclimatise to his new surroundings.
If Dibling does not find his groove, Everton could turn to the 31-year-old, a proven Premier League performer described as ‘the ultimate professional‘.
A ‘selfless‘ player, the Englishman will likely come in on a cheap fee, given he has only a year left on his deal.
Murphy managed only three goals and two assists in 33 Premier League appearances last term, a far cry from his 20-goal contributions the season before.
Murphy is also versatile enough to deputise at right-back, an area of concern for Toffees following the departure of Seamus Coleman.
Nathan Patterson was supposed to be his heir but has struggled with injuries, forcing Moyes to stick centre-back Jake O’Brien at right-back.
However, Everton would be better served sticking with Dibling.
Murphy’s versatility and experience are useful, but his numbers suggest his influence is beginning to wane.
At 31, there is little reason to expect Murphy to suddenly reverse that trend, even if his experience could help Moyes’ squad.
Everton already invested heavily in Dibling, and writing him off after one difficult season makes little sense.
The youngster needs time, regular football and the confidence of his manager to demonstrate why the club made such a significant investment in him.
Rather than spending money on a declining Murphy, Everton should ride it out with Dibling and give him this season to prove himself.