Everton set sights on Torino’s ‘extraordinary’ Andrea Belotti
Everton have set their sights on Torino’s Andrea Belotti, who is unlikely to sign a new contract according to Tuttosport.
Last week Corriere Granata linked Belotti to Goodison and this report suggests there is no sign of optimism that the striker will put pen to paper on a new deal, with his current contract set to expire in 2022.
Chelsea, Atletico Madrid and Milan are also reportedly interested in the 12-goal attacker, so the Toffees could have a transfer battle on their hands.
Everton were linked with a £44million move for Belotti last summer [Daily Mail via La Repubblica], but with Transfermarkt valuing the 27-year-old at £36m he could be available on a cut-price deal.
Fits the bill
Belotti is exactly the type of striker we should be targeting if we are ambitious about qualifying for the Champions League.
He will put tremendous pressure on Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s place in the side and could even take the 24-year-old’s starting berth.
After all, this is a forward who looks set to score 15 or more league goals in four different seasons – including 26 goals in 2016/17 – leading former Torino manager Moreno Longo to call him an “extraordinary” [Football Italia].
He is not the only manager who rates Belotti, as two top managers Thomas Tuchel and Diego Simeone are also said to be interested.
Also, Italy boss Roberto Mancini has praised Belotti’s off the ball attributes.
“Belotti has always worked like crazy, maybe too much,” Mancini told Football Italia.
The Italy international could be ideal in our high-press system, therefore, and possesses an aerial threat that means he could connect with Lucas Digne crosses like Calvert-Lewin does.
He would be a fascinating addition and is certainly capable of adding firepower to our attacking arsenal.
In other Everton news, the Toffees are set to suffer a multi-million hit after a major update from Sky Sports journalist.
Be sure to follow Goodison News on Facebook and Twitter for 24/7 updates on Everton and more exclusive interviews with Kevin Campbell.