As last resort, Everton should use Mino Raiola relationship to bring in free agent Ignazio Abate

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One area where Everton need to improve this summer is at right-back. Whilst Seamus Coleman is getting back to his best in the role, the lack of cover is clear for all to see. Jonjoe Kenny has joined Schalke 04 on loan for the season and Mason Holgate is being viewed as a central defender. Veteran winger Kevin Mirallas and young utility player Callum Connolly have been used in the position during Everton’s pre-season.

At the moment, Everton appear pre-occupied in the transfer market with the pursuit of Mainz midfielder Jean-Philippe Gbamin and Juventus striker Moise Kean.

The latter deal has seen Everton director of football Marcel Brands dealing with a long-term collaborator, Italian super-agent Mino Raiola. Best known for representing the likes of Paul Pogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Raiola also has a fine reputation in the Netherlands. Over the years, he and Brands have done business several times and it seems it has only helped Everton in their pursuit of Kean. 

So could Raiola also have a solution for Everton at right-back?

Because one player he currently represents, according to transfermarkt, is former Italian international Ignazio Abate. 

The 32-year-old is clearly not the young talent Everton are after, but as a last resort, he could be an adequate addition on a short-term deal. 

A free agent after his 10-year AC Milan career came to an end this summer, Abate has 22 caps for Italy and for a brief period was considered one of the best right-backs in Europe. 

Those days are long gone, but if Everton need cover at right-back and are getting desperate, Raiola could present them with a free agent solution in Abate.