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Report: Everton plot Stefano Sturaro swoop, Juventus demand big fee

Ronald Koeman, Manager of Everton arrives at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Swansea City and Everton at the Liberty Stadium ...
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Everton have spent huge amounts of money on new players this summer but is Stefano Sturaro of Juve the next to arrive at Goodison Park?

If you watched Everton’s hard-fought 1-1 draw at Manchester City on Monday night, you’d be hard pressed to spot an obvious weakness in Ronald Koeman’s side.

However, with Morgan Schneiderlin now suspended following a harsh second yellow in the closing stages at The Etihad, The Toffees midfield depth will now come into question. And, considering that Gareth Barry is now a West Brom player, there is now one less player at Koeman’s disposal.

Head coach Ronald Koeman of Everton is seen during a preseason friendly match between FC Twente and Everton FC at Sportpark de Stockakker on July 19, 2017 in De Lutte, Netherlands.

Perhaps this explains why Tuttosport are reporting that Everton are once again in for Juventus’ energetic ankle-biter Stefano Sturaro. On Monday, Tuttomercatoweb claimed that the Italian international was facing an uncertain future at the Turin giants after falling down the pecking order, with Crystal Palace offering an escape route.

However, the report now suggests that Everton are considering a move – though Juventus will not accept less than £18 million for a player coach Max Allegri admires for his versatility.

This is not the first time Everton have been linked with a move for the three-time Serie A champion this summer but, with just over a week remaining in the transfer window, it appears that Juve are more open to offers than ever.

Juve, who sold Mario Lemina to Southampton this summer for a similar fee, only handed Sturaro 11 Serie A starts last season and he would surely fit comfortably into Koeman’s plans at Everton.

Gianluigi Buffon (L) and Stefano Sturaro of Juventus FC celebrate with the trophy after the beating FC Crotone 3-0 to win the Serie A Championships at the end of the Serie A match between...

He is a player who combines the grit and energy of Idrissa Gana Gueye with neat and tidy passing ability, meaning Sturaro could be a quality reinforcement in an already strong midfield.