Crystal Palace’s Patrick van Aanholt on Everton’s radar as replacement for Leighton Baines despite Sam Allardyce’s exit

EVERTON could reportedly move for Crystal Palace left-back Patrick van Aanholt despite Sam Allardyce’s departure.

Big Sam was a keen admirer of the Dutchman after working with him at Sunderland brought him to the Eagles during his time at Selhurst Park.

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He was linked with interest in the 27-year-old again before he was sacked by the Toffees this month.

But the Daily Mail claim Van Aanholt could still be one of Everton’s top targets as they look for a replacement for veteran Leighton Baines.

The defender, 33, is expected to depart Merseyside with a number of MLS outfits interested in bringing him to the States.

New Goodison director of football, Marcel Brands, knows countryman Van Aanholt well.

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The star offers just as much going forward as he does defensively, and he finished the campaign by scoring in Palace’s final three matches to take his season’s tally to five.

The Toffees have been looking at other alternatives.

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They were keen on Manchester United ace Luke Shaw, but the ex-Southampton man looks set to stay at Old Trafford and fight for his place under Jose Mourinho.

And they have missed out on Chelsea’s Baba Rahman after he joined German side Schalke on a season-long loan.

Everton also have left-backs Luke Garbutt and Brendan Galloway on the books.

But neither have done enough while out on loan to stake their claims.

One other option could be Callum Connolly after the 20-year-old shone for Championship side Ipswich.

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The versatile England Under-21s international can play either full-back position as well as in midfield.

However, Brands is believed to be keen on bringing in a more experienced individual for the club’s new manager.

Former Watford chief Marco Silva’s appointment is expected to confirmed over the next few days.