Everton are plotting a move for Roma and France midfielder Maxime Gonalons with the Italian side willing to sell the 29-year-old this summer, according to the London Evening Standard.
The newspaper claim on their website that the Toffees have joined fellow Premier League side Crystal Palace in chasing the signature of the defensive enforcer, who has seven caps for his country, and that the Serie A heavyweights rate him at a fee of £10million.
Gonalons helped Roma reach the Champions League semi-finals last season, losing to runners up Liverpool, but was not a regular starter as he managed to make just 23 appearances across all competitions, 16 of which were in the starting XI.
Good move for Everton?
Gonalons is a proven talent for both club and country and he could prove to be a very worthwhile capture at £10million.
There are not many bargains in the transfer window any more as asking prices rise, and so this could well be a rarity.
Of course, Marco Silva needs to make sure the French international has what it takes to be a success at Goodison Park, and his lack of regular playing time last season will have cast some doubts in the new manager’s mind.
Of course, the window is all about taking risks in the search for rewards, and at £10million, Gonalons can be considered a capture with little chance of disappointing.
This is Futbol rating: 8/10
Likely to happen?
It all depends on whether Everton can beat Crystal Palace to his capture.
The Eagles seem the keener of the two sides but that does not necessarily make them the club leading the charge.
Working under Silva at Everton, a side who are looking at the start of a new exciting chapter on Merseyside, could be Gonalons’ preference.
One to watch as the window heads towards closing.
This is Futbol rating: 6/10