Dejan Kulusevski has rejected leaving Juventus to join Everton on loan over the final days of the January transfer window following a recent approach from the Premier League side.
That’s according to Gazzetta dello Sport, who note the Toffees approached the Bianconeri to discuss a temporary move. But the Sweden international has not given the go-ahead to moving to Merseyside late in the winter market.
Kulusevski has an uncertain future in Turin as the Old Lady close in on a deal for Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic. The Serbian’s arrival at the Allianz Stadium is likely to threaten what minutes Massimiliano Allegri affords the attacker going forward.
So, Juventus decided to listen to offers for Kulusevski, who cost the Serie A side up to €44m (£37m). Ideally, the Bianconeri would like permanent offers for the former Atalanta winger, but are open to sanctioning six-month deals, too.
They are also not demanding an onerous loan fee, either. Instead, the financial benefits of a loan come through offloading the 21-year-old’s £78k-a-week contract for the remainder of the season.
Manager-less Everton, though, still need to convince Kulusevski of a loan transfer if they are to sign the Juventus winger. Their search for Rafa Benitez’s Goodison Park successor could also prove crucial following the club’s approach.
Juventus’ Kulusevski could still play at Goodison this term despite Everton snub
Kulusevski could yet play at Goodison this season, despite the Juventus winger snubbing a loan transfer to Everton. Gazzetta dello Sport add the forward has alternative suitors in the Premier League, along with rival interest within Italy.
The forward – who Calciomercato note the Bianconeri want €35m (£29m) to sell – has two goals and three assists this season. He has, however, only started seven of his 27 outings in Allegri’s side across all competitions so far this term.
Everton have been attentive to Kulusevski’s situation this month given his lack of games for the Old Lady. The 20-cap ace Cristiano Ronaldo has called a ‘great talent’, via Aftonbladet, has only started one of Juventus’ last six Serie A games.
Each of his five Champions League group stage outings also came from the bench as they topped Group H. Even though he scored the winning goal over Zenit St Petersburg, which would prove crucial to edging Chelsea for first.
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