---
title: "Everton lining up move for Barcelona target to end defender hunt"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/everton-lining-up-move-for-barcelona-target-to-end-defender-hunt/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Jay Williams"
section: "Everton"
published: "2017-04-16T09:00:42Z"
modified: "2017-04-16T09:00:42Z"
---

# Everton lining up move for Barcelona target to end defender hunt

**There is a debate going on between the Everton fans at the bar right now: which centre back will we sign in the summer transfer window?**

That is certainly the question on all Everton fans’ lips in the Transfer Tavern as more and more players are mentioned as possibilities.

The top target for some while has [reportedly been](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/michael-keane-transfer-everton-looking-10228712) Michael Keane of Burnley, but they will face widespread competition from the Premier League big boys to land the [£25m-rated](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/michael-keane-transfer-everton-looking-10228712) England international.

Another option is [Bournemouth’s Steve Cook](https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/3306847/everton-transfer-news-steve-cook-bournemouth-michael-keane-burnley/).

It is well publicised that Everton are in the market for a new centre half with Koeman keen to find a partner for Ashley Williams in the middle as Phil Jagielka gets older.

Manchester City’s injury prone captain Vincent [Kompany today emerged](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/everton-west-ham-lead-pursuit-10234104) as a target for the Toffees and West Ham and the same report has linked Everton with Mauricio Lemos.

[According to The Mirror](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/everton-west-ham-lead-pursuit-10234104), Everton are interested in Las Palmas centre back Mauricio Lemos, who turned down a move to Barcelona last year.

The 21-year-old has impressed for Las Palmas this season in La Liga but appears set to leave this summer for £25m.

Everton have recently scouted the Uruguay under 23 international in action.

**Everton fans – Mauricio Lemos: is he the answer? Let us know in the comments below…**