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Does Claudio Ranieri admission suggest Everton will be keen on Jordy Clasie?

Southampton's Jordy Clasie celebrates scoring their first goal (REUTERS)
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The Dutchman played with Ronald Koeman at both Southampton and Feyenoord.

Southampton's Jordy Clasie celebrates scoring their first goalSouthampton’s Jordy Clasie celebrates scoring their first goal

Yesterday saw former Leicester CIty boss Claudio Ranieri appearing on Sky Sports Monday Night Football programme, as Crystal Palace put Arsenal to the sword in a stunning 3-0 win at Selhurst Park.

He spoke about his time at Leicester, where he of course won the Premier League title for the Foxes.

He also spoke about the signing of N’Golo Kante, admitting the star midfielder was signed just ahead of Dutch international Jordy Clasie after both were recommended to him by chief scout Steve Walsh:

“We wanted an international player, but this player didn’t choose Leicester, another club. I said ‘Ok take Kante’. I like Kante. For me is OK, I watch him two or three times.

“So in the end we had Kante and Clasie. Steve Walsh told me these two names.

“I said “Ok take Kante”. I like Kante. For me is OK, I watch him two or three times.”

Of course, Clasie did end up moving to the UK. He signed for Southampton, to work under the guidance of his former Feyenoord boss Ronald Koeman.

Southampton's Jordy Clasie (L) in action against Groningen's Tom HiariejSouthampton’s Jordy Clasie (L) in action against Groningen’s Tom Hiariej

Koeman of course is now manager at Everton, with Walsh his director of football. So Clasie could surely be a target for the Toffees.

Everton could use another midfield recruit, especially with doubts over the future of Ross Barkley, and Clasie could be on their radar.

Last summer, the Mirror reported that Koeman wanted the player at Goodison Park. With both the Everton manager and sporting director big fans, it will not be a surprise if they are linked again this summer.