Everton are keeping tabs on Preston teenager Joshua Earl after identifying the Championship left-back as a potential long-term successor for Leighton Baines, reports The Sun.
The Toffees’ disastrous start to the season has emphasised the need to revitalise their defensive options and director of football Steve Walsh has already begun scouring the market.
Earl has made a thoroughly impressive start to the season and the 19-year-old’s performances even prompted Walsh to watch the left-back against Brentford last week.
However, Everton have been forced to put their pursuit of the teenager on hold for the time being after the Preston defender suffered knee ligament damage in their midweek defeat at home to Aston Villa.
Earl has completed more tackles than any other player aged 21 or under in the Championship this season (46), while he is also Preston’s highest rated player (7.21) from those that have made at least five appearances.
