Everton have been linked with a move for AC Milan’s Andrea Bertolacci.
According to Sky Sports Italy, AC Milan manager Gennaro Gattuso has decided that he wants to keep midfielder Andrea Bertolacci amid links with Everton.
The Toffees have yet to make a new signing this summer, but director of football Marcel Brands will be keen to land new faces to boost Marco Silva’s squad ahead of the new season.
A new midfielder may be a prime target for Everton, as Morgan Schneiderlin, Muhamed Besic and Davy Klaassen continue to be linked with moves away, as a partner for Idrissa Gueye is clearly needed.
Last week, a surprise name was floated as Tutto Mercato Web claimed that Everton have made a move for AC Milan midfielder Andrea Bertolacci in what may be something of an underwhelming swoop.
However, Sky Sports Italy now claim that Milan boss Gennaro Gattuso has decided the he wants to keep Bertolacci and is fighting to keep him, even to the extent that he wants the midfielder’s contract to be extended beyond its expiration of 2019.
Bertolacci, 27, spend last season out on loan with Genoa, notching one goal and one assist in 33 games before returning to the San Siro this summer, where has failed to really impress since a 2015 move from Genoa.
It’s a huge surprise that Everton are pursuing the five-cap Italy international, and even more of a surprise that Milan and Gattuso are seemingly fighting so hard to keep him.
Everton may subsequently need to look elsewhere, but given his patchy record in Italy, few Toffees fans would be left disappointed by missing out on Bertolacci’s signature this summer.
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