Everton and Liverpool have been linked with a move for Roma’s Kostas Manolas.
According to Sky Italia, Everton and Liverpool are both interested in signing Roma centre back Kostas Manolas.
Manolas, 25, made his name in his native Greece with AEK Athens and Olympiacos, before his performances earned him a 2014 move to Roma.
AS Roma’s Kostas Manolas (L) in action with Real Madrid Karim Benzema
Immediately asked to fill in for Mehdi Benatia following his move to Bayern Munich, Manolas was a regular in his first season at the Stadio Olimpico, and he has now racked up more than 100 appearances for the Serie A side.
Now one of the top defenders in Italian football, Manolas has been linked with a host of English clubs in recent years – and Sky Italia now claim that Everton and Liverpool are both keen to sign him.
Roma defender Kostas Manolas
Quick, strong and good in the air, Manolas – who has made 27 appearances for Greece – has become the complete centre back with Roma, and a Merseyside battle for his signature could be on the cards.
Everton will be looking to spend big on a new centre back having missed out on Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly over the summer, and with Ashley Williams and Phil Jagielka now 32 and 34 respectively, Ronald Koeman needs a younger defender with proven quality – and Manolas fits the bill.
Meanwhile, Liverpool have seen Joel Matip and Dejan Lovren impress this season, but with Matip injured and summer signing Ragnar Klavan enduring some ups and downs, Manolas could emerge as a target for Jurgen Klopp’s men.
It’s unclear just how much Manolas would cost, but Roma are bound to demand over £30million for their star defender, which Everton may well be willing to pay thanks to Farhad Moshiri’s investment.
Would you like to see Manolas join Everton or Liverpool?
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
