Matias Vecino is now almost certain to leave Inter Milan when his contract expires at the end of the season, months after Everton were reportedly on pole position for his transfer.
That’s according to Calciomercato, who report the Uruguayan is frustrated at the San Siro after a difficult season so far. Simone Inzaghi has seldom used the midfielder since taking charge of the Serie A side last year, to put the writing on the wall for an imminent split.
Vecino has started just two Italian top-flight fixtures thus far this term, with opening calls at home to Bologna in September and away to Torino earlier this month. Instead, 14 of his 16 appearances have come from the bench, for a meagre total of 361 minutes of action.
Inzaghi also only started the 30-year-old once in the Nerazzurri’s eight Champions League ties, for 124 minutes over four outings. He has likewise only opened one and featured in two of their four domestic cup games thus far, to take his minutes total to 555 altogether.
Everton target Matias Vecino now almost certain to leave Inter Milan for free
Inzaghi’s lack of trust is all but guaranteed to send Vecino through the San Siro exit door in June. An outcome that could catch the attention of figures in the Goodison Park hierarchy.
That’s because Calciomercato noted Everton were on pole position for Vecino’s transfer in January as Inter Milan sought to sell. The Nerazzurri and his agent, Alessandro Lucci, spoke with several sides in Italy and abroad to bring forward his likely exit, including the Toffees.
The San Siro side strived to seal a sale to save on the rest of his €5m-a-season (£80k-a/w) salary. But they ultimately retained their €24m (£20m) signing, who Antonio Conte’s assistant Cristian Stellini claimed ‘always’ delivers during the Spurs boss’ time in charge.
Now, Everton could look to revive their interest at the end of the season and secure a free transfer once Vecino leaves Inter Milan. But Frank Lampard will have to ensure the Toffees remain a Premier League side to offer an attractive destination for the club’s winter target.
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