Completing shrewd business in the summer, Everton boss Ronald Koeman is still keen on adding Kevin Strootman to his squad in January and is willing to pay over £17 million for him, report The Express.
According to the publication, the Toffees want the Roma midfielder to become the long-term midfield successor to Gareth Barry who will turn 36-years-old in February.
Closely trailed by Manchester United in the past, 26-year-old Strootman has been at Roma since 2013 and the Toffees’ proposed bid of £17.1 million is hoped to get Luciano Spalletti’s side talking in the New Year.
If the Serie A giants were to agree such a deal with Everton, the Giallorossi would come close to recouping the €19 million they spent on the Netherlands international when signing him from PSV Eindhoven in 2013.
Having endured an injury-hit spell at Stadio Olimpico, it does remain to be seen whether Roma would be open to selling the Dutchman in January however.
Named in Roma’s matchday squad on 10 occasions in Serie A so far this season, Strootman has started eight times so it would appear Everton need to show some aggression in this particular transfer pursuit.