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Everton target Mario Lemina was a back-up option for Liverpool two years ago, idolises Pogba

Mario Lemina (Reuters)
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Everton are pursuing Juventus midfielder Mario Lemina.

Juventus' Mario Lemina in action with Tottenham's Will MillerJuventus’ Mario Lemina in action

Everton are in talks to sign Juventus midfielder Mario Lemina, according to Italian outlet Calcio Mercato.

Lemina, 23, is a Gabon international who previously played for France’s under-21 side.

The versatile star made 29 appearances in total for Juventus last season but only eight of them were Serie A starts.

Mario LeminaMario Lemina at Lyon

Lemina has come close to moving to Merseyside once before. He was a transfer target for Brendan Rodgers’ Liverpool back in 2015.

L’Equipe reported at the time that Liverpool were keen on signing Lemina from Lyon.

Yet he was only under serious consideration if the Reds had decided to let Lucas Leiva leave, the Liverpool Echo reported.

Mario Lemina JuventusMario Lemina at Juventus

Liverpool elected to keep Lucas and prevent him joining Fenerbahce as had been rumoured, and so they stepped aside from Lemina and he went onto join Juventus.

A move to Everton could help Lemina’s ambitions to play more regularly, and the chance to go up against former French under-21 and Juventus teammate Paul Pogba will surely appeal as well.

He was quoted by Football Italia two years ago: “I’ve known Pogba since we were together in the France youth teams…and I hope to be like him one day.”

Everton could give Lemina the chance to step out of Pogba’s shadow and go head to head with him, if they choose to push on with a deal.

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