According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Leeds could now cause Everton to miss out on the signing of Matias Vecino from Inter Milan.
What’s the story?
Well, the Italian news outlet believe Lazio are desperate to sign Vecino, who Calciomercato have claimed is a target for Everton.
However, the Serie A side must sell some players first, which is where Leeds come into the equation.
Lazio’s most saleable asset is Vedat Muriqi, who La Lazio Siamo Noi believe Leeds have made a move to sign.
If Marcelo Bielsa manages to bring the Kosovo international to Elland Road, it would provide Lazio with the funds to beat Everton to Vecino.
As you can see, a lot of pieces need to fall into place if Everton are to be successful in their pursuit of the Uruguay international.
Leeds interest may not affect Everton
In truth, Leeds hunting Muriqi may now have no impact on Everton whatsoever, following the sacking of Rafa Benitez.
Vecino was said to be a target while the Spaniard was in charge, but it remains to be seen if the deal will still be pursued with Duncan Ferguson holding the reins.
In truth, Benitez’s exit has caused many question marks to arise over Everton’s long-term plans.
For a start, Lucas Digne was only sold to Aston Villa following a fallout with Benitez, so in hindsight, the Toffees could’ve actually kept the Frenchman.
Furthermore, Everton handed the Spaniard £17m to spend on Vitaliy Mykolenko and £16m to sign Nathan Patterson, before sacking him.
Whoever replaces Benitez may want their own targets at full-back, so it’s a huge mess at Goodison Park.
Only time will tell if Ferguson, Moshiri and Bill Kenwright can pull Everton from out beneath the rubble.
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