Report: Everton held talks with World Cup winner Jerome Boateng who was available for free

Everton reportedly held talks with World Cup winning centre-back Jerome Boateng during the summer transfer window.

The 35-year-old is available as a free agent after leaving French side Olympique Lyonnais following the expiry of his contract after two years at the club.

The former Manchester City defender reportedly held talks with the Toffees over a possible move to Goodison Park, however favoured the opportunity to return to Bayern Munich, where he played for 10 years.

That is according to TEAMtalk, who report that Everton boss Sean Dyche remains dissatisfied with his defensive opportunities and was keen to strengthen during the summer.

However, Boateng now looks set to re-sign with the Bavarian giants, where he has been training in recent weeks.

Jerome Boateng would have been a brilliant short-term solution, but Everton need longevity

The former German international won the World Cup in 2014 and picked up a plethora of domestic and European trophies throughout his career, including nine Bundesliga titles, two Champions League and an FA Cup during his time at Manchester City.

At 35, Boateng could have been an experienced short-term solution to Everton’s defensive options and could have guided the Toffees’ prodigious talent Jarrad Branthwaite through the next stage of his development.

Everton no doubt require a defender with greater longevity to sign in the next transfer window, but Jerome Boateng on a 12-month contract could have been a useful addition for the season ahead.

Sean Dyche’s side are yet to keep a clean sheet so far this season, conceding 15 goals in nine games in all competitions in the opening weeks of the campaign.

The Toffees welcome Bournemouth to Goodison Park tomorrow having failed to pick up so much as a point in four Premier League games at Goodison Park and must bounce back following last week’s humiliating display against Luton Town.