Premier League Everton have reportedly shown an interest in Atalanta’s Serie A defender Mancini, who shone as Italy beat Spain in the U21 Euros.
Considering that Dani Ceballos, Moise Kean, Nicolo Zaniolo and Federico Chiesa were all in action during the U21 European Championship clash between Spain and hosts Italy on Sunday night, it was easy to forget that perhaps the most accomplished player on the field was lining up at centre-half.
At the age of just 23, Gianluca Mancini is already one of the stand-out defenders in Serie A after all.
A player who has already claimed two caps for the senor Azzurri side played 30 league games in 2018/19 as Atalanta qualified for the Champions League for the first time in their history.
So no wonder teams from all over Europe have shown interest. Including, according to The Mirror, Merseyside giants Everton.
With Kurt Zouma heading back to Chelsea and Phil Jagielka bringing an end to 12 years at Goodison Park, there is room at Everton for a new centre-back and Mancini certainly aced his audition against Spain.
Chiesa might have dominated the headlines with a clinical brace as Italy sealed a 3-1 comeback win but Mancini was superb at the back, dominating Borja Mayoral with his commanding presence and superb positioning, while bringing the ball out of defence with class and precision.
According to Calciomercato, Atalanta value Mancini at £25 million but securing a long-term Jagielka replacement is priceless for Everton.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
