Everton make enquiry for Sporting defender – £11m signing struggles to convince

Everton have been handed a clear route into Georgios Vagiannidis’ situation at Sporting, with Portugal newspapers reporting the Toffees have already made enquiries about the right-back.

The 24-year-old is not guaranteed a place in Sporting’s squad for next season. That comes after a debut campaign which never fully convinced the Portuguese champions.

Georgios Vagiannidis played 32 matches in all competitions last season, including 22 in Liga Portugal. In the league, he managed four assists in 864 minutes.

Those numbers show he had involvement, but Sporting clearly expected more after a sizeable investment.

Everton angle emerges

A Bola say Everton and Villarreal are both attentive to the Greece international. Both clubs had already followed him before his move from Panathinaikos to Sporting.

Sporting paid around €12.5m (£10.6m) to €13m (£11m) for Georgios Vagiannidis last summer. Now, they are open to letting him go if they can recover that investment.

Vagiannidis has made it clear he would like to stay at Sporting and prove himself. However, that desire may not be enough.

A Bola also report that no official proposal has reached Alvalade yet. Still, Everton and Villarreal have asked about the conditions for a deal.

A return to Greece has already been rejected by the player. He wants either to succeed at Sporting or try his luck in a more competitive league.

Loan now on the table

Georgios Vagiannidis may also be loaned out next season. In a recent report, A Bola say that scenario is being discussed inside Sporting.

The idea would be to give him more regular minutes and allow him to return more mature. Sporting still believe he has qualities to develop.

However, the right-back picture is getting crowded. Iván Fresneda is currently the first choice, although he has interest from England too.

Fresneda’s late-season injury could block his exit, after he missed the final nine matches. Youngster Salvador Blopa is also expected to be a consistent part of the squad next season.

All that means Sporting are open to solutions. The player has ruled out Greece, and English interest already existed before his move to Portugal.

That gives Everton a possible opening, especially if Sporting decide a loan or sale is the cleanest way forward.