Exclusive: Ex-Everton star says Emerson looks like a Marcel Brands-type signing | OneFootball

Former Everton defender Michael Ball has told Football FanCast in an exclusive interview that Real Betis right-back Emerson is the sort of player he can see his old side and Marcel Brands targeting this summer.

The 22-year-old, who is currently on loan at the Benito Villamarin from Barcelona, was heavily linked with the Merseyside club last year.

Max Aarons was thought to be high on Everton’s list in their search for a long-term successor to Seamus Coleman, but it was recently reported by Fabrizio Romano that they have pulled out of the race to sign the Norwich City player.

It leaves manager Carlo Ancelotti and director of football Brands needing to look elsewhere. For Ball, that could mean turning to Emerson, who he believes fits the necessary criteria for the latter.

Speaking exclusively to FFC about the Brazilian full-back, the ex-Everton player said:

“Emerson, for Real Betis, a Brazilian. Everton have got a lot of Brazilians at the football club. Whether that’s a link, I’m not too sure. It’s a position I think would be a priority for the club.

“Moving forward for the next couple of years, we need to sort of filter Seamus out and bring the next generation through.

“[Emerson’s] got the potential and it’s the right fit for a Marcel Brands type of signing. Young, got resale value in the future, but also got the quality to make an impact straight away.”

Coleman has been a great servant for Everton over the years, but turning 33 this year, the Toffees probably do need to start thinking about a succession plan – which could come in the form of Emerson.