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Everton now join race to sign Yukhym Konoplya with free transfer possible
Everton have now joined the race to sign a 26-cap international defender, who could be available on a free transfer.
Toffees keen to strengthen in defence
Although the Toffees are 12th in the Premier League table, they are currently just six points behind fourth-placed Liverpool, meaning a push for Europe is a real possibility if they play their cards right during the January transfer window.
David Moyes has tempered expectations, however, saying: “I think that we’re probably more unlikely than likely that we add to the squad.
“But I wouldn’t say that completely because obviously we’re looking out there to see what there is and we will see if we can get something.
“But, I just wouldn’t want to get everybody’s hopes up. If I say likely, then you might be thinking that that means that we’re on with something.
“We’re looking at some players and we’re looking if we could add to it and if we can we will do, but we’ve been quite careful with it.”
That said, the Merseysiders remain keen on strengthening their defence, with it recently being revealed they are interested in signing Bologna right-back Emil Holm, and Nathan Patterson could be sent in the opposite direction as part of the deal.
Holm isn’t the only option on the shortlist though, as Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg has now credited Everton with an interest in signing Shakhtar Donetsk right-back Yukhym Konopolya, although there could be competition for his signature.
Ajax and Werder Bremen are also named as potential suitors for the full-back, and the German club have already held talks over a deal.
With the Ukrainian’s contract set to expire at the end of the season, he will be available on a free transfer this summer, and there are some indications he could be a solid addition to Moyes’ squad…
Konoplya could be solid acquisition for Everton
At 26-years-old, the Shakhtar Donetsk star could now be in his prime years, and he has been in very impressive form this season, particularly impressing from an attacking point of view, chipping in with six goal contributions in 19 matches across all competitions.
The 26-cap Ukraine international has also caught the eye for his national side in recent times, achieving a 7.4 SofaScore match rating courtesy of a solid display against Iceland back in November, during which he recorded a 90% pass-completion rate and completed four defensive actions.
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The Toffees have received an indication over whether they will be able to lure him to Merseyside.
Not only that, but the Donetsk-born defender has experience in the Champions League, contributing three assists in 15 matches in Europe’s elite competition during his time with Shakhtar.
Signing Konoplya would perhaps be a gamble for Everton, given that he is unproven outside Ukraine, but considering he is set to be available on a free transfer, the former FC Desna Chernihiv could be a savvy addition to Moyes’ squad.
