Koeman and Cuco to be re-united?

Martina available on a free – skysports.com

Seamus Coleman’s bad injury while on international duty with Ireland has placed added emphasis on Everton’s need for a right-back this summer.

Coleman is set to be out of action for the next six months and it remains to be seen how quickly he will recover his performance levels, which had been strong prior to the setback.

Depute Mason Holgate looked composed against Leicester last time out and linked up well with Barkley down the right. He is rarely inclined to take players on however and is more accustomed a centre-back role, so starting next season with the Barnsley graduate as the only senior right-back of note would be irresponsible.

During Ronald Koeman’s time at Southampton, he got the best out of Cuco Martina. The second ever Curacao international to play in the Premier League after Sheldon Martis, Martina will always be remembered at St Mary’s for his wonderful long-range belter in the 4-0 win over Arsenal. He is perhaps more accustomed to playing at right-back than Holgate, but has the versatility that Koeman likes, with experience at centre-back and defensive midfield.

The 27-year-old falling out of favour under Claude Puel is largely down to the irrepressible form of Cedric Soares, who has been a menace down the right. Martina still has quality and is out of contract in July – should Everton bring him in, it could be the best free signing of the summer.