Lazio are preparing to make a raft of important changes in the summer transfer window and are now giving thought to raiding Everton to reunite manager Maurizio Sarri with Allan.
That’s according to Il Messaggero, who note the Biancocelesti may embark on a complete rebuild in the off-season. Lucas Leiva, Luis Alberto and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic could leave the Stadio Olimpico. But while Sarri accepts Milinkovic-Savic may go, will want a big fee.
The Serbian is the only one in the ranks in Rome whose exit could fund the club’s plans this year. So, Sarri will refuse all discounts on his Serie A side’s €80m (67m) price tag. Funds he is now planning how to spend with sporting director Igli Tare and president Claudio Lotito.
Sarri and Tare are currently debating a shortlist of targets before putting their top options to Lotito. Porto star Vitinha features prominently in their discussions after captivating the Lazio boss in the Europa League. But the 22-year-old is likely to cost at least €30m (£25m).
Sassuolo’s Maxime Lopez also stands out to add protection in the holding midfield role and should cost around €15-20m (£12.5-16.5m). But local rivals Roma also admire the 24-year-old. So, Sarri is mulling reuniting with his former Napoli star Allan, now of Everton, at Lazio.
Lazio eye Everton raid to reunite Maurizio Sarri with Allan in summer rebuild
Sarri would welcome Allan to the Stadio Olimpico with open arms if Lazio raided Everton in the summer transfer window. But the Biancocelesti would hope to agree a low cost to sign the Brazilian from the Blues, two years after Carlo Ancelotti took him to England for £21m.
Allan will have one year left on his £70k-a-week contract agreed in 2020 at the end of the season. Yet Sarri could put his interest in remaining at Goodison Park to the test, after also considering a move this January with Il Messaggero reporting direct talks between them.
Lazio hoped to take Allan back to Italy on loan from Everton in the winter transfer sales. He ultimately stayed and has made 23 Premier League appearances so far this season. But the 31-year-old has also drawn Harry Redknapp’s criticism since, who claims ‘Allan can’t run’.
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