Everton must agree Alex Freeman deal as intriguing stats emerge from World Cup win

Everton are reportedly keen to sign a new right-back this summer and Villarreal's Alex Freeman appears to be among the best options available.

The 21-year-old scored as the United States beat Australia 2-0 on Friday, with Cameron Burgess' own-goal making up the scoring as the host nation went two from two.

Born in Maryland, the talent's career began in Weston Academy and later Orlando, where he left for Spain in January after a deal worth around £5million was agreed.

Freeman is under contract until 2032 and will certainly not be a cheap deal to complete, but the La Liga club may well be happy to see their money tripled or even quadrupled.

The Toffees are in desperate need of reinforcement at the back this summer after Seamus Coleman left the club at the end of his contract.

Nathan Patterson could also leave amid recurring injury issues and Jarrad Branthwaite is in need of cover after suffering from several hamstring problems.

Everton must pay attention amid impressive Alex Freeman stats

Freeman has only made nine appearances since signing for Villarreal, but his consistency for the United States has spoken volumes.

The defender was massively impressive in his nations' opener against Paraguay last week, and he was even better on Friday.

The 21-year-old is in the mould that David Moyes likes, often playing as a wide centre-back in a back-three for Mauricio Pochettino, but usually occupying the right-back spot.

As half-time approached, Freeman was involved in a nasty clash of heads and spent a considerable amount of time on the turf.

But just minutes later, he would be up again and putting his head in harm's way as he got up and over the goalkeeper to head in Sergino Dest's rebounded effort.

It was his all-round work that was remarkable, however. Freeman completed two successful dribbles, four tackles, five clearances, won one free-kick and won an outstanding 10 of the 13 duels he contested.

Everton hold Freeman advantage for this reason

With Freeman, there is a sense that if the likes of Everton do not act now, they will be forced to pay far, far more in the future.

And the Toffees would have a slight advantage if they did try their luck with Villarreal this summer.

Having signed Thierno Barry from the La Liga side last summer, transfer chiefs on both sides are well acquainted.

Should Everton attempt to make it consecutive summer windows with the signings of Villarreal players, they may have slightly more luck than the other interested suitors undoubtedly lining up.