According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Fabio Paratici has a good relationship with Merih Demiral, who is a target for Everton.
What’s the story?
Well, Everton are said to be definite admirers of the Turkey international.
Gazzetta dello Sport explain how the Toffees first became interested when Juventus approached them over a deal to re-sign Moise Kean.
In terms of Tottenham, the Italian news outlet do not speak so confidently about their interest.
Gazzetta dello Sport write that the intentions of Spurs remain to be seen.
Elsewhere, Calciomercato believe Tottenham’s interest to be concrete.
The north Londoners could have an advantage over Everton, as newly-appointed Director of Football Paratici knows Demiral well.
Paratici signed the towering centre-back for €18 million (£15 million) from Sassuolo, so he’s definitely done his homework on the 23-year-old.
Could this knock Everton out of the race?
With both sides currently managerless, Tottenham and Everton’s respective Sporting Directors will be doing much of the work in the Demiral race.
In that department, Tottenham surely have the edge.
Marcel Brands is a fine negotiator, but he has no past ties to Demiral or Juventus, whereas Paratici has a solid relationship with both.
In our view, it could depend on who hires a manager first.
Presumably, few players will want to join a managerless club, as they’d surely want assurances that the man in charge actually wants them.
Demiral’s name just won’t stop being associated to Tottenham and Everton, however, so keep an eye on this saga.
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