Kessie has taken Serie A by storm this season but Everton will need to do a lot more to convince Atalanta to sell.
Everton have stormed into the race for Atalanta prodigy Franck Kessie, The Guardian reports, making a £15 million opening bid for the Italian outfit’s prized asset.
The unassuming Serie A side have enjoyed the most successful calendar year of their history, rising from relegation candidates to genuine European contenders thanks to the astounding form of one of the league’s youngest squads.
However, Atalanta may pay the price for their progression with Ivorian midfielder Kessie heavily tipped to follow Roberto Gagliardini, on the verge of a move to Inter Milan, out of the exit door this month.
And The Guardian have reported that Everton had submitted an offer of £15 million for a player whose six goals in 16 Serie A appearances has reportedly attracted interest from some of Europe’s most illustrious clubs.
However, The Guardian adds that The Toffees, these days armed with substantial financial muscle following Farhad Moshiri’s takeover, will have to more than double their initial bid if they are to tempt Atalanta into a mid-season sale.
Money has been no guarantee of success for Everton in the transfer market this season but, with a £22 million deal for Morgan Schneiderlin finally on the verge of completion according to the BBC, the addition of adding Kessie’s driving runs and eye for goal would add further strength to the midfield.
Nonetheless, making such a risible offer for a player valued twice as highly suggests they could be set for yet more frustration in pursuit of another big name.
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