Norwich City's Max Aarons is a 'primary target' for Everton as the Toffees look to bolster the right side of their defence, according to 90Min. 

The lowdown

Aarons played in all but one game last season as Norwich won the Championship to secure an immediate Premier League return. He recorded four direct goal contributions (two goals, two assists) and averaged 1.4 key passes, 1.4 dribbles and 2.3 accurate long balls per match (via WhoScored).

Former Norwich defender Jon Newsome applauded the 21-year-old for his 'outstanding' performances over the course of the campaign (via Football League World).

Aarons would likely compete with Everton's veteran skipper Seamus Coleman for the right-back spot at Goodison Park.

The latest

90Min reported that there's an 'open line of communication' between Everton and Norwich regarding the 21-year-old, who is 'widely expected' to leave the Norfolk club this summer, and the Blues are keen to position themselves at the front of the queue given their 'long-term' interest.

Norwich are willing to let him leave but their asking price has been set at more than £25m. PSV's Denzel Dumfries, who scored two goals for the Netherlands at Euro 2020, is named as Everton's principal alternative if they cannot land the English youngster.

The verdict

Aarons would be a good signing for Everton, potentially solving any right-back headaches for a decade or more. He is one of the leading English defensive prospects and was unfortunate not to remain in the Premier League off the back of the 2019/20 season.

He has been coveted by the likes of Barcelona and Bayern Munich in the last year, underlining just how highly-regarded he is in European football circles as well as within his homeland.

Everton will be looking to repeat the success they enjoyed with 2020 addition Ben Godfrey, another graduate from the Canaries' impressive talent pool.

In other news, what does Rafael Benitez's appointment mean for Everton's chances of landing this transfer target?