Everton chase another new signing at a problem position, he's available and affordable - report

Everton are interested in a move to sign left-back Ricardo Rodriguez on a free transfer before the end of the window, according to Football Transfers.

According to a report on the outlet’s website on 29 July the Swiss international is also wanted by Inter who are set to provide “stiff competition” to the Toffees for his signature.

The 31-year-old is available for nothing after leaving Torino and left-back is believed to be a focus for Sean Dyche and Kevin Thelwell ahead of the deadline [Alan Myers, 26 July].

Vitalii Mykolenko has been through a number of injury issues since late last season and only veteran Ashley Young is available as back up, leading the Liverpool Echo’s Ian Croll (26 July) to brand the situation a “major cause for concern”.

Everton face Inter battle to sign former Torino ace

Left-back options were already thin before Ben Godfrey was sold to Atalanta and defence now looks to be a focus after three attacking signings were made.

Mykolenko has been linked with an exit to Napoli [Area Napoli, 16 July] but isn’t expected to depart Goodison Park this summer.

But the Ukrainian’s fitness issues have highlighted the need for competition so a Rodriguez move looks to be a sensible one.

Everton have come up with the cash to sign Jake O’Brien from Lyon, with the centre-back already on Merseyside for a medical [The Guardian, 29 July].

But since 120-cap Rodriguez is a free agent he is doubly-attractive for the Toffees as an experienced option who they could pick up for a bargain outlay, with finances back in the spotlight after the takeover collapse.

If Inter make a big play for him it might understandably be hard for Dyche to convince him to head to Goodison over the Italian champions where he would have Champions League football on offer.

But after no fewer than 34 Serie A appearances in each of the past three seasons at Torino the durable defender looks like an opportunity that has to be pursued at the very least.

In other Everton news, the Toffees are now expected to listen to offers for a pair of English defenders as a new signing comes in.

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