Nice striker Mario Balotelli is being linked with a move to Everton.
According to the Daily Mail, Everton are likely to be approached by agent Mino Raiola over a move for Mario Balotelli – but manager Ronald Koeman has reservations about a deal for him.
The Toffees can always count on star striker Romelu Lukaku in the final third, but with little quality depth behind him, Everton are expected to be in the market for a new striker in 2017.
Mario Balotelli in action for Nice
Now, the Daily Mail claim that Everton were one of many clubs to discuss a summer move for Mario Balotelli – and are likely to be approached about a deal for him next year.
Balotelli, 26, was on the books at Everton’s fierce city rivals Liverpool for two years having joined from AC Milan in 2014, but after just four goals in 28 games during the 2014-15 campaign and a loan spell with AC Milan last season, the Italian was allowed to join French side Nice on a free transfer in August.
Nice v Lorient – French Ligue 1 – Allianz Riviera stadium
Much like former Newcastle ace Hatem Ben Arfa did last season, Balotelli has enjoyed a renaissance in the South of France, as he’s scored an impressive ten goals in just 14 appearances for Lucien Favre’s table-topping side.
Whilst Balotelli will be hoping to help Nice win the Ligue 1 title this season, he will be all too aware that his contract expires at the end of the season, meaning he and agent Mino Raiola will already be plotting the next move.
It’s claimed that Everton did think over a summer move for Balotelli despite his ties to Liverpool, and with agent Raiola allegedly holding a strong relationship with the Toffees, given that he also represents Everton striker Lukaku.
However, manager Koeman is described as having reservations about gambling on Balotelli, who has been known as a controversial figure throughout his career, and whilst he may want a return to England having featured for Manchester City and Liverpool, Koeman may scupper any agent-driven move to Goodison Park.
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