Latest developments
- Everton are keen to sign Kyle Walker-Peters from Southampton.
- The defender has six months left on his current deal.
- The Toffees are looking to strengthen at full-back.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (3/5): Expert scout with connections
Everton want to solve their full-back issues by signing Southampton's Kyle Walker-Peters before the window shuts.
That is per Mick Brown, a former Premier League scout, whose connections to top clubs remain strong. He was speaking to footballinsider247.com.
Value (5/5): Cut price deal
Walker-Peters' contract expiring in the summer and Southampton's impending relegation making a new deal seem unlikely means it's now or never if the Saints are going to get a fee.
According to Brown, Everton may get the deal for the England international done for as little as £5 million, which is well below his £16.9 million valuation.
Suitability (4.5/5): One of Saints' best
Walker-Peters has been one of Southampton's best performers in a torrid season, in which he has contributed two assists.
A total of 135 Premier League appearances for the former Tottenham man mean Everton will be signing an experienced right-back, who will be at home in the back four David Moyes is using.
Upgrade? (4.5/5): Toffees need an RB
Central defender Jake O'Brien was preferred to start at right-back ahead of Nathan Patterson, who has struggled for form this season, while injuries are hampering the tail end of Seamus Coleman's career.
27-year-old Walker-Peters would be expecting to start at Goodison Park and attempt to cement himself in the line-up for a few seasons.
Logic (4/5): Still in a relegation fight
Available at such a good price makes this a no-brainer for Everton, who despite impressing against Spurs at the weekend, are very much still in a fight for survival.
Swapping a surely-doomed club for a side with a winnable survival battle on their hands might make Kyle wait until the summer to decide his future, but the opportunity to secure his future with a club of Everton's size will appeal.
Whisper+ verdict: 21/25
Perfect sense for the Evertonians, good sense for Walker-Peters and news from a trusted source.
