Report: Everton make first move for £18m-rated right-back Mourinho admires

According to a report from The Times, Everton have opened talks with Lille to sign rumoured Tottenham Hotspur target, Zeki Celik.

Celik is one of several right-backs to be linked with the Lilywhites over the last few months (Le10Sport).

The 23-year-old has been a consistent performer since arriving at Lille two years ago and Jose Mourinho’s assistant, Joao Sacramento, will know of the defender’s qualities, having worked with him at the Ligue 1 side before arriving at North London.

The Times now claim that Mourinho is an admirer of Celik’s prowess in defending one vs one scenarios, as well as the quality of his crossing.

It is claimed that the Spurs boss believes that the Turkish international would be a perfect fit for the system his side play.

However, it is revealed that Carlo Ancelotti also wants to sign Celik to replace Djibril Sidibe at Everton. Turkish Football were the first to report Everton’s interest in the defender last week.

The Times now asserts that the Toffees have already stolen a march on Spurs and begun talks with Lille over signing the right-back, who is reportedly rated at £18million.

Spurs Web Opinion

Celik hardly ever does anything spectacular but he is someone who can be relied upon to put in consistent displays. In essence, he is the opposite of Aurier as he is a steady defender, even though he lacks the Ivorian’s athleticism, while his crossing has also stood out during his time at Lille. I believe that Timothy Castagne would be the better fit for us but Celik certainly has similar qualities to the Belgian.

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