Estonian defender Ragnar Klavan rejects more money at Everton to stay at Augsburg [BILD]

29 year old Estonian centre back Ragnar Klavan has been heavily linked to Everton throughout the summer but today told German newspaper BILD he won’t be going anywhere.

Signed by Augsburg in 2012, Klavan did not miss a minute of Bundesliga football this season with the club recording their best ever finish of 5th.

Speaking to BILD, the Estonian defender said “no” to the Premier League, passing up the opportunity to earn more money on English soil.

“My family and I feel very comfortable here,” said Ragnar Klavan. “In addition, the Europa League is a nice reward for Augsburg. Clearly it will be hard, but we must now play almost every week twice. Yet this is exactly what every footballer wants.”

Everton are incredibly short at the back right now after releasing veteran centre halves Sylvain Distin and Antolin Alcaraz this summer.

With Phil Jagielka and John Stones their only recognised senior centre backs, Roberto Martinez will have to convince at least one or two defenders to join in the near future.

Having played in the Europa League under Louis van Gaal at AZ Alkmaar, Klavan believes Augsburg are set up nicely to do well in both competitions.

“The double burden is mentally exhausting but we are a well-oiled team.” said Klavan. “We also don’t need to change much in the squad, we are well-positioned for Europe.”