Everton manager Ronald Koeman has been linked with a summer move for Las Palmas defender Mauricio Lemos, at the expense of his former club Barcelona, as he looks to bolster his defensive ranks ahead of next season, according to reports from Spain (via Sport Witness).

What’s the word?

Everton fans have enjoyed a solid first season under the guise of Dutch manager Ronald Koeman, they are nailed on for a 7th placed finish, four places and at least 14 points better off than last season.

However, whilst it has been a good start to life on Merseyside for the former Southampton and Feyenoord boss, there is plenty that can be improved on, starting with the defence.

With that in mind, the Spanish media are linking the former Barcelona defender with a €20m swoop for 21-year-old defender Mauricio Lemos, who has established himself withing the Las Palmas starting XI over the last season.

The La Liga centre-half began the season out of the squad before bouncing between the bench and starting line-up until the turn of they year when his form earned a solid run in the side.

Koeman’s priority?

The futures of star men Romelu Lukaku and Ross Barkley remain on a tight-rope but, whilst they are of course key problems that will need resolving, Koeman has other issues that may well take his focus.

The injury to Ramiro Funes Mori earlier in the season exposed a weakness in the Toffees side, an alarming lack of depth at the back.

While Phil Jagielka has returned to the fold to deputise, the former England international is no long-term solution for Koeman, meaning he will have to act this summer.

Signing Lemos may be the start but there will have to be further additions at the back if they are to build on their 7th placed finish next season.