Everton are now interested in signing Chelsea central defender Malang Sarr before the transfer deadline next week, but face a major battle.
That’s according to Gianluca Di Marzio, who claims that Everton are ‘on the trail’ of Sarr as they seek defensive additions.
Bologna are currently leading the race for Sarr, and allegedly have a meeting in place for Monday, where they will hold talks with Sarr’s agents.
Sarr’s ‘high salary’ – believed to be a surprisingly huge £120,000-a-week – is an issue for Bologna, and German side Eintracht Frankfurt are also believed to be interested.
Everton were actually linked with Sarr last summer as his Nice contract expired, but he chose a move to Chelsea instead.
The Blues then loaned him straight on to Porto, playing 19 times for the Portuguese side before heading back to Chelsea.
Thomas Tuchel seemingly doesn’t see Sarr in his first-team plans, and he can move on before next week’s transfer deadline.
Michael Keane was to blame for Leeds United’s first goal against Everton on Saturday, so maybe Rafael Benitez thinks he needs another option at the back.
Sarr, 22, can play as a left-sided centre back or even left back, offering great cover in both areas to bring balance to the Everton back four, with the Frenchman now a name to keep a close eye on.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
