Surprise Everton target Walter Kannemann has great record in bitter battles with Cristiano Ronaldo

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According to Corriere Dello Sport, Everton are interested in signing napping up Gremio defender Walter Kannemann.

The 27-year-old defender has been in outstanding form in Brazil and, according to the report, has caught the eye at Goodison Park.

A bruising, no-nonsense defender, he could be exactly what Everton need at the back after last season’s struggles. Naturally left-footed, he would also bring balance to the back-line.

Of course, seeing as he has never played in Europe, many fans will doubt he has the credentials to play in the Premier League.

However, one man that knows all about having a battle with Kannemann is Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Juventus star, considered one of the greatest players of all-time, has faced Kannemann twice. On both occasions, the defender had helped guide his team to the Club World Cup final.

Firstly, in 2014, his San Lorenzo side made the final in Marrakech. They lost 2-0 to Real that day, with goals from Sergio Ramos and Gareth Bale. But Kannemann earned rave reviews for a brilliant man-marking job on Ronaldo. The Portuguese was certainly not pleased, with the pair occasionally coming to blows in the tie. Kannemann, was certainly not afraid of Ronaldo.

“I played a Club World Cup final against Real Madrid and now I have another chance. With San Lorenzo in 2014, Real Madrid players did not want to change shirts with us.

“There were some fights with Cristiano in the other final, but everything was football, things that stay on the pitch.”

– Walter Kannemann speaking ahead of meeting Ronaldo again last year

Last year they met again. This time Kannemann was with Gremio and again kept Ronaldo quiet for most of the game with another magnificent performance. Unfortunately, Ronaldo did find the net, smashing home a sublime 30-yard free kick for a 1-0 Madrid win.

But on two occasions Kannemann has man-marked Ronaldo and the legendary forward has failed to score from open play. Everton should certainly take notice of that rare fact.