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Everton are struggling to find a suitable left-back to target before the close of the transfer window.

Sam Allardyce has repeated his desire to find a solution to the Blues’ problem position but admits few defenders fit the bill.

Allardyce is unable to put a time frame on Leighton Baines’ return from a niggling calf injury but confirmed surgery has been ruled out.

Cuco Martina continues to deputise in Baines’ absence but Big Sam says everyone is aware that he is not the long-term answer.

Asked by the ECHO if he still wants to sign a left-back, Allardyce said: “If you could find me one I suppose it would possibly be a position we would like to try and fill.

“There’s no doubt that Cuco is doing a fantastic job and yet he, myself and everyone knows it’s not his strong position but at the moment we are finding it difficult to fill that position.

“So we do need a left footed player, not just at left-back, we probably need three left-footed players in the squad but we’re not going to get that this season.

(Image: Dan Istitene/Getty Images)

“But certainly the balance of the squad will have to be addressed next season with more players capable of having a strong left foot.”

Everton are interested in Lille defender Adama Soumaoro but have yet to make a move for the 25-year-old who can play across the backline but is used predominantly at centre-half.

And to compound the Blues’ problems at left-back Allardyce says they cannot afford to rush Baines back from an injury that has kept him out since the end of November.

“We’ve ruled out surgery because the surgeon says he doesn’t need it,” Allardyce said.

“He even said he doesn’t need any injections so we just need to monitor that situation.

“And, again, when Leighton comes back from what is a considerably lengthy injury it’s like Seamus – when do we play him and when don’t we?

“Yannick Bolasie was never going to be Yannick Bolasie when he first got back in the team. We might have to wait a bit longer.

“James McCarthy, who’s done brilliant because we’ve had this long catalogue of injuries, but touch wood and he’s performing to his best like Yannick but it’s not his peak best because of the situation he found himself in before he got back fit again.

“That will be the same with Leighton so we have to be a little bit patient and the only way we can get a little bit of patience is for the lads to turn around the results situation and that makes life easier for us all.

“So results are what it’s all about and what we need to get on Saturday and it gives all those players I mentioned a little bit more time, the new ones time to settle in, and the ones who have been injured for a long time to get back fit and get in the squad.”