Report: Everton interested in Roma defender Gianluca Mancini
Everton have been keeping an eye on Roma centre-back Gianluca Mancini, according to Italian newspaper Leggo.
The Toffees join Serie A leaders Inter Milan in ‘courting’ the 24-year old central defender, who has been a regular for the Giallorossi this season, playing 19 times in the league.
Leggo claim that the interest of both Everton and Inter Milan in Mancini’s services indicates just how much the player has grown under the tutelage of Paulo Fonseca this season.
Though the story doesn’t mention whether Everton will consider moving for the defensive target, the club are likely to seek squad reinforcements in the summer, particularly if they are able to meet European qualification targets.
It also remains to be seen whether Ancelotti will look to improve his central defensive options in the summer, with a central midfielder more likely to be on the immediate agenda.
Leaky backline in need of repair?
Questions have certainly been raised following the last few games regarding Everton’s defensive line and the number of goals that they’ve conceded, and that could explain why an exploration of defensive targets could be taking place.
The Blues have conceded nine goals in their last three games against Manchester United, Tottenham and Fulham, compared to the nine goals conceded in their last 14 games before that.
Everton have conceded a total of 34 goals in the Premier League this season, having played 22 games so far, while the club conceded 32 goals after the same amount of games last season, and that included a torrid period under previous manager Marco Silva.
Individually, Mancini’s statistics for the season do suggest that he could fit in at Goodison Park, with the Italian having made more interceptions on average (2.3 pg) than any of Everton’s current centre-backs, while only Mason Holgate has managed more tackles per game.
In other Everton news, a number of Everton supporters have criticised Mason Holgate’s performance in the club’s 2-0 loss to Fulham at Goodison Park on Sunday.