By Noel Whelan

24th Aug, 2021 | 8:51am

Everton tipped to sign defender with 'real pace' amid journalist's Sarr update - Whelan

Noel Whelan has tipped Everton to sign a centre-half with “real pace” amid reported interest in Chelsea defender Malang Sarr.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Leeds United striker claimed Rafael Benitez needs to add speed to his backline on the evidence of Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Elland Road.

According to Gianluca Di Marzio (21 August), the Toffees are interested in signing Sarr, 22, before next week’s transfer deadline.

Sarr, who is still yet to make his debut for Chelsea, has four years remaining on his contract at Stamford Bridge.

Benitez currently has Ben Godfrey, Mason Holgate, Yerry Mina and Michael Keane as his centre-half options, with the latter two starting at Leeds.

When asked by Football Insider‘s Dylan Childs if a centre-half was a necessity at Goodison Park, Whelan said:

“Yerry Mina and Michael Keane are very dominant defenders aerially but Everton need more pace at the back, to be honest with you. It is an area they are lacking in.

“From what I saw at Elland Road and over the past couple of seasons, Everton’s centre-halves have been inconsistent and lack pace when balls are played in behind them.

“It is an area where I think Rafa Benitez will strengthen in before the window shuts next week.

“They need a player who covers the ground quickly, someone with real pace because we know how quick strikers are these days.”

In other news, Everton have pulled off the ‘bargain of the century’ after what pundit saw at Leeds United.