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Ideal backup to Digne – Everton signing this 29-year-old defender from PL rivals would be a masterstroke

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Aaron Cresswell

Why Everton should make a move for Aaron Cresswell in January

Back in May, a report from the Liverpool Echo had claimed that Everton were interested in signing West Ham left-back Aaron Cresswell as it was not clear if Leighton Baines will stay at the club. In the end, Baines stayed at Everton and a move for Aaron Cresswell didn’t go through.

Baines, 34, signed a 12-month contract extension at the Goodison Park over the summer and was named in the 25-man Premier League squad, but he hasn’t been seen in any league games this season.

He made only eight appearances last season as the veteran Englishman served as a back-up for Lucas Digne at left-back.

The former England international is past his prime and is likely to leave the Toffees at the end of the season. It is no point extending Baines’ stay at the club as he isn’t playing at all. In fact, the 34-year-old is yet to make an appearance this campaign, and apparently not challenging Digne for a spot in the starting XI.

Thus, Marco Silva should cash in on Baines in January and try replacing him with Aaron Cresswell, who was keen on a return to his hometown of Liverpool in the summer.

Creswell, 29, has been on the books of West Ham since the summer of 2014 when he joined from Ipswich Town. The left-back has been an important player for the Hammers over the years, but he is not guaranteed a place in manager Manuel Pellegrini’s starting XI.

He made 18 starts and two substitute appearances in the Premier League last season, providing one assist in the process.

So far this season, the Englishman has played second fiddle to Arthur Masuaku, whose attacking and dynamic style has been suited well to Pellegrini’s 4-2-3-1 system.

Cresswell is likely to feature more in cup competitions than in league games for West Ham. His chances of getting regular game time will definitely not increase at Everton either, but Silva could get a reliable deputy to Digne.

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In Digne, Everton have one of the best left-backs in the division. However, Silva needs someone to challenge Digne and while his position as the first-choice left-back is unlikely to change any time soon, the France international certainly will feel the heat of Cresswell knocking on the door for first-team football.

Verdict

Cresswell has volumes of Premier League experience and would be a smart addition to Everton’s ranks.

If Silva can somehow convince the West Ham star to accept limited playing time, the Merseyside outfit will have a brilliant back-up to Digne.