If Pochettino goes to Everton, could he convince Tottenham star to join him?

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A major problem Marco Silva had during his time at Everton was not only a goalscoring centre-forward, but also a lack of quality and options at centre-back. That has continued this season.

Losing Kurt Zouma who returned to Chelsea following his loan at Everton was a huge blow, while Phil Jagielka returned to Sheffield United. It left Everton with just Michael Keane and Yerry Mina, while Mason Holgate returned from his loan spell.

Both Keane and Mina have been guilty of poor spells during Silva’s time in charge but unfortunately for the Portuguese manager, he failed to bring in any new signings at centre-back in the summer.

Now, Silva has left – after watching Everton conceded a huge 27 goals in 15 league games, which sees The Toffees sit in 18th place. The Times claim Everton have made an approach to land Mauricio Pochettino, following his Tottenham sacking.

Pochettino has been linked with the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich in recent weeks, but Everton have looked to trump them all by bringing the Argentine to Merseyside.

Though a hugely ambitious move, it shows Everton are willing to spend big on a new manager. If they do manage to convince Pochettino to chance his arm at Everton, surely he has to return to his old club Tottenham to solve the defender crisis.

Toby Alderweireld looks as though he is playing with as much passion he did during his early years at the club, despite his current contract situation. Jan Vertonghen, though, may not sign a new deal given that he turns 33 in April.

The Belgian is hardly first choice at Spurs, with Alderweireld and Davinson Sanchez seemingly preferred by Jose Mourinho. So, if Everton do get Pochettino, the Argentine must do everything he can to convince Vertonghen to move to Merseyside.

Wages will not be an issue, with Spotrac claiming Vertonghen earns £100,000 a week – something which Everton can afford. His transfer fee is likely to be minimal, given his contract is due to end.

Landing Vertonghen would solve Everton’s defensive crisis, at least for the next two or three years.