According to Tuttomercatoweb, Parma may actually be ahead of Everton in the race to sign Bayern Munich striker Joshua Zirkzee.
The Daily Mail reported just days ago that the Toffees are looking to take Zirkzee on loan until the end of the season to bolster their attack.
Bayern want to send Zirkzee out for first-team action after an incident against 1860 Munich saw him pick up a three-game suspension, and Everton are keen.
Marcel Brands likely knows Zirkzee from his time with Feyenoord in the Netherlands, and he is also considered to be a major talent for the future on the international stage.
Now though, TMW report that Parma – a club Carlo Ancelotti played for and managed – may lead Everton in the battle for Zirkzee, as they can guarantee the teenager more first-team football.
Bayern want the 19-year-old to play senior action, and a decision will be coming over the course of the next week as Parma look to pip Ancelotti to a deal.
Everton ultimately need another striker to offer cover and competition for Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and Zirkzee – a 6ft 4in target man – would help do that.
Everton are somewhat paying for loaning out Moise Kean, but with Zirkzee potentially joining on a permanent basis, Brands may have found his preferred replacement for Kean – if Parma can be fended off.
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