Everton have lined up ‘Excellent’ replacement for Coleman – McLeish | OneFootball

Norwich City defender Max Aarons would be an “excellent replacement” for Seamus Coleman at Everton, according to Alex McLeish.

The former Birmingham City and Scotland boss, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the 21-year-old had the right qualities to fill the boots of the “fantastic” Toffees captain.

Sky Sports report Everton are considering launching a move for the £30-35million-rated full-back this summer as a potential long-term successor for Coleman.

The 32-year-old Everton star has been in and out the starting XI this season due to form and injury, with just 10 league starts to his name.

He is also into the final 18 months of his contract on Merseyside.

McLeish, who took Coleman on trial during his Birmingham days, suggested Aarons would be a top-class replacement for the full-back.

“Recruitment is vital. That, for me, is a guy who knows his way about on a football field,” McLeish told Football Insider assistant editor Russell Edge.

“Aarons would be an excellent signing and replacement for the captain. He has been fantastic, has Seamus.

“I nearly had him as a kid at Birmingham, he played a trial game for me when he was 16. At that time, we didn’t invest in young players, I think it was about £100,000 or something.

“David Sullivan, David Gold – we decided would keep the money for someone more experienced coming in. There you go, there’s one we lost.”

Aarons, who stayed with Norwich following relegation last season, has been ever-present in 32 Championship games this term.

A graduate of the youth ranks at Carrow Road, he has 117 first-team appearances under his belt for the Canaries.

In other news, Everton are braced for “significant losses” and FFP anxiety, claims finance expert.