OPINION
Everton are reportedly prepared to battle Premier League rivals Newcastle for Sampdoria midfielder Dennis Praet.
The Times claim that the Toffees are willing to join the race for the Serie A star and are considering the possibility of signing him.
It is understood that Newcastle have already had scouts monitor the 23-year-old on the opening day of the Italian league season against Benevento.
The Merseyside club are set to rival for the central midfielder’s signature and Sampdoria value him at £18.5million.
Good move for Everton?
Praet looks a solid player that has the technical ability to grace the Premier League, but Everton already have an overload of central midfield options.
The 23-year-old used to be an attacking midfielder with an eye for goal, but has dropped back into a more disciplined role in the past 12 months.
He still has time on his side and could help strengthen the Toffees squad, but manager Ronald Koeman needs to be focusing his attention on a new striker.
Praet would find it difficult to land a starting XI position alongside the likes of Tom Davies, Idrissa Gueye, Davy Klaassen and Morgan Schneiderlin.
This Is Futbol rating: 4/10
Likely to happen???
Sampdoria seem unlikely to allow Praet leave them in the near future after only signing him last summer from Anderlecht.
The Belgian is an important player in their side and they have an £18.5million valuation to try deter suitors.
He is still under contract with the Italian side until 2021 and there are several obstacles in Everton’s way if they want to bring the midfielder to Goodison Park, with rivals Newcastle being a major one.
?This Is Futbol rating: 2/10