Everton are keen to lure Porto defender Ivan Marcano to the Premier League but will have to compete with Serie A giants AC Milan.
AC Milan went into the first leg of their Europa League clash with Arsenal a week ago having not conceded a single goal in each of their last six games.
But the rugged defence that Gennaro Gattuso had cultivated at the San Siro fell apart against The Gunners. If Alessio Romagnoli is the future of Italy’s backline, then AC fans would have been very worried as Arsenal cruised to a 2-0 win in Milan while Leonardo Bonucci looked a shadow of his Juventus best.
And neither covered themselves in glory either in the return leg at The Emirates, a Danny Welbeck inspired Arsenal sealing a 3-1 triumph and a 5-1 aggregate victory.
But could this five-goal drubbing over 180 disappointing minutes have negative connotations for Everton? Possibly.
Because according to Calciomercato, Milan are fighting The Toffees for the signature of Porto’s Spanish centre-back Ivan Marcano. The 30-year-old is out of contract at the end of this season so is seen as a potentially cheap solution to Everton’s defensive woes.
But, on last night’s evidence, Milan too could do with some added depth in defence, especially if they are to progress and improve on the European stage should they qualify for continental competition next season.
Marcano is hugely experienced in European football having represented Porto, Olympiakos and Rubin Kazan. He would be a fine addition for Milan on a free.
So Everton’s hopes of luring Marcano to Goodison Park might have just been damaged after Milan’s defence was made to look very average indeed.
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