Everton move for Juventus and Italy defender Federico Gatti now off limits
Everton target Federico Gatti is set to become out of reach as the defender is close to signing a new deal with Juventus, according to La Stampa.
Gatti was linked with a move to Goodison Park in the past couple of windows, with Calciomercato reporting on 14 April an approach had been made.
No transfer was forthcoming, though, and a move for the Italy international can surely now be forgotten about.
As per Bianconeri Zone on Twitter, Gatti is in line for a pay rise to acknowledge the loyalty he showed in resisting the temptation to join Everton.
The 25-year-old won the Serie B Footballer of the Year in 2021-22, with Juve agreeing a deal with Frosinone midway through the season.
After featuring fairly regularly for Juve last season, he has started half of their four Serie A matches this season.
As a right-footed centre-back who specialises in the air, while also boasting good ball-playing skills, it is clear to see why Everton targeted him.
The report by La Stampa suggests there was a chance of persuading Gatti to leave Turin, too, but ultimately the deal did not happen.
After failing to keep a clean sheet in six matches so far this season, we can only wonder what would have been with Gatti at the back.
In other Everton news, Chris Sutton has offered a prediction ahead of the Toffees’ meeting with Brentford.