According to Fabrizio Romano, Everton target Kim Min-jae is close to signing for Napoli, despite a personal desire to join Tottenham.
What’s the story?
Well, it was said that Frank Lampard wants the South Korea international to join James Tarkowski at Goodison Park.
However, Kim is believed to be keen on a move to Spurs – he is supposedly on Tottenham’s shortlist.
Despite that, Antonio Conte and Fabio Paratici are yet to make a push for the 25-year-old, and he now looks to have given up on a move to north London as he edges closer to Napoli.
Fabrizio Romano claims that the Italian giants – who secured a spot in the Champions League after finishing third in Serie A – are now working on the “final details” of the deal, as they close in on their replacement for Kalidou Koulibaly.
That will upset Everton, as some sources claimed that the Toffees were plotting to hijack the move.
Kim made 39 appearances in all competitions for Fenerbahce last season, scoring one goal.
Now, he looks to have earned a big move to Europe, where he will be able to test himself against the very best.
Forget Tottenham – Everton need a new defender
After Spurs signed Clement Lenglet, their need for a new central defender has lessened.
However, Frank Lampard is still working with a relatively weak backline, who recently lost 4-0 to Minnesota United.
Tarkowski should improve things, but the likes of Michael Keane and Yerry Mina have been woeful in recent years, and they cannot be trusted to keep the goals out.
It seems Lampard is aware of his side’s softness, as a move for Leander Dendoncker is being explored – the Wolves man can operate in midfield, as well as in defence.
Whatever happens, Everton must sign one more centre-back before deadline day, or the 2022/23 campaign could be a real struggle for the Toffees.
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