Mihajlovic teases Tomiyasu exit amid Everton interest
Bologna manager Sinisa Mihajlovic has indicated that the Serie A club could be forced to sell this summer, amid reported Everton interest in defender Takehiro Tomiyasu.
Earlier this month, Gazzetta Dello Sport reported the Japan international had caught the eye of Carlo Ancelotti, with Tomiyasu able to play as either a centre-back or a right-back.
Everton have been chasing a right-back for some time now, with Max Aarons and Kieran Trippier linked with Goodison Park moves in recent weeks.
Now Bologna boss Mihajlovic may have provided a boost for Everton ahead of the summer transfer window, with the Serbian conceding that his club may be forced to sell in response to the struggling market.
As reported by Fanta Calcio, Mihajlovic said: “We have to sell by force of circumstances, then we’ll see who: it depends on the market, not on us.
“I hope nobody buys from our team, even if there are many strong young players in the squad, we want to improve ourselves for next year.”
Many clubs are expected to struggle financially this summer due to the COVID pandemic, and perhaps Everton could turn Bologna’s financial situation to their advantage by poaching Tomiyasu.
Versatility is valuable commodity
Everton are desperate to sign a right-back this summer, and signing someone that can just as comfortably play in the middle would show that the club have attracted a real asset.
Mihajlovic never specifically mentions that Tomiyasu could leave the club this summer, only that the Serie A club could be forced into selling players, but with Premier League interest in the 22-year old the club could find him difficult to keep hold of.
Tomiyasu was recently described by TuttoBologna reporter Manuel Minguzzi as “perfect for the Premier League”, per ChronicleLive, and given his age he could prove to be excellent long-term recruitment from Everton.
It remains to be seen whether the Blues would consider him to be a right-back signing, or if they value him more as a central option, but his versatility would likely excite Carlo Ancelotti and Marcel Brands.
Everton are fortunate in that they’ve not been hit too hard financially this year, and we’d love to see the club do what they can to snatch talent off those that need to sell.
In other Everton news, Report: Everton demand club-record fee for ‘Phenomenal’ player this summer.
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