Mario Balotelli was linked with Everton in December after a wonderful 2017-18 campaign.
Italian champions Juventus are interested in landing Nice forward Mario Balotelli on a free transfer this month, which should put Everton on red alert and beat Massimiliano Allegri’s side to the punch.
The 27-year-old has been in absolutely sensational form for the Ligue 1 outfit this season, amassing a huge 18 goals in just 23 league and cup outings but Nice may lose their star man in the summer.
The 33-time Italy international has entered his final six months of the 12-month deal he signed last summer, allowing him to talk to non-French clubs over a pre-contract agreement – a similar deal in which Juventus are looking to land Emre Can.
Under the bosman ruling, the Sun claim Balotelli can sign with Juventus for nothing, which would then see the former Manchester City and Liverpool striker move to Turin in the summer.
With Balotelli likely to favour a move back to his home country with the chance to join a side like Juventus, Everton must act quickly if they are still interested in the Premier League winner.
CalcioMercato claimed in December that Everton were eyeing a move to sign Balotelli, with the report stating the striker “could be fascinated” to “redeem” his time at Merseyside rivals Liverpool – where he scored just four times in 28 games.
Although Everton have landed Cenk Tosun from Turkish champions Besiktas, Sam Allardyce may still be on the lookout for a new striker with Oumar Niasse linked elsewhere.
Landing a character like Balotelli would excite fans and if he can continue his goalscoring rate in England, then he would book his ticket to Russia with Italy and push Everton towards the top six of the Premier League.
But to sign him this month and ahead of Juventus, Everton must spend money as Nice will not allow him to leave on a free before January 31, if they are set to lose him in the summer.
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