How Everton's hopes of signing 'explosive' Raoul Bellanova have just been revived

Everton's hopes of signing Atalanta right-back Raoul Bellanova are not over just yet.

The right side of defence remains the Toffees' priority position with around six weeks of the transfer window to go.

Plenty of players in that area have been linked this window, including Bellanova.

However, speculation regarding the 26-year-old has gone a little quiet of late.

That comes on the back of Atalanta sporting director Cris­ti­ano Giun­toli seemingly ruling out an exit earlier this month.

But it may well be that Atalanta's private stance is different to what has been said in public.

Raoul Bellanova exit remains on at Atalanta as Everton lurk

Goodison News carried reports on 3 July that Everton had already made a bid for Bellanova.

The offer was said to be worth £17million, plus add-ons, but that was below the £21m Atalanta paid to sign the defender two years ago.

There has been little reported on the matter since, but Corriere della Sera shared a new update via its print edition on Thursday.

The report states how, despite Giun­toli's comments at a press conference regarding certain players not being sold, Bellanova is one of those who could yet leave.

Everton are named as one of the clubs lurking, along with fellow Premier League sides Fulham and Nottingham Forest.

Serie A pair Napoli and Fiorentina would also like Bellanova, so Everton certainly have their work cut out.

Bellanova could be a two-in-one player for David Moyes

David Moyes is desperate for a right-back - that much is very clear.

Whether it be Bellanova or anyone else, Everton need to add to that position as soon as possible.

Bellanova certainly ticks plenty of boxes, having been described as a player with "explosive pace" by former AC Milan academy boss Federico Giunti.

Not only can Bellanova play right-back, but also at right wing-back and on the right wing, with that versatility always handy for a manager.

If a deal is there to be struck, there is no reason why Everton should not go ahead and do so.