Italian site Gazzetta Dello Sport claim Rafa Benitez is eyeing a surprise loan swap – which could see Everton land Inter Milan midfielder Matias Vecino.
Vecino, 30, is only on the fringes at Inter. The experienced Uruguay midfielder has only played 15 times under Simone Inzaghi this season.
The ex-Fiorentina star is out of contract at the end of the season – and a move is likely. Whether that is in the January window, remains to be seen.
However, Everton could raid Inter for the midfielder. But the report from Gazzetta states that Everton landing Vecino could be a swap deal.
Inter want to sign ostracised left-back Lucas Digne. However, the only way Inter will be able to do so, is by signing him on a loan-to-obligation deal.
It is hardly a move that will tempt Everton – who are said to prefer a sale this month. But including Vecino on loan, might tempt Benitez.
Vecino for Digne: Everton would still be making a big profit
The difference is, that Everton will still get a decent amount of cash for Digne. Vecino, meanwhile, is out of contract in the summer.
So, while Everton fans may feel that they are losing one of their best players for a midfielder far below Digne’s price – they will not be losing cash.
Instead, they will just have to until the summer for Inter to pay up. In return, they get Vecino on loan – and could have him on a free in June.
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