How Nottingham Forest can unlock Everton deal for Raoul Bellanova as £21.5m update issued

Raoul Bellanova has been linked with a summer move to Everton as the Toffees look to bolster their right-back department.

And in all honesty, that is likely to be the number one priority for the Merseysiders this summer.

With Seamus Coleman's departure and uncertainty over the future of Nathan Patterson, Everton are left with Jake O'Brien at right-back, which is far from ideal.

The Toffees were linked with a move for Brooke Norton-Cuffy in January, though those attempts fell short, with Bellanova the latest target.

Bellanova has attracted interest from several Premier League clubs, as well as a handful from Italy, showcasing the competition that Everton would have to beat in the race for his signature.

Though if they are to pursue a deal, it's now clear how much they may have to fork out.

Atalanta's valuation of Raoul Bellanova revealed

The Toffees simply have to sign a right-back, and it would not be a shock to see them spend fairly big to land one.

And if that is to be Bellanova, they may be left with no other choice but to do that, with a report from Il Giorno stating that Atalanta value the defender in the region of £21.5million.

The Italian newspaper reports that Atalanta are in negotiations to sign Nicolo Savona from Nottingham Forest. And, if a deal is done, it "should lead to the sale of" Bellanova.

Gianluigi Longari reported Everton's interest in the right-back earlier in June, saying that the Blues have "watched" him.

The 26-year-old finds himself on the fringes of the squad, having started just 15 times in Serie A last season.

As for his price tag, Atalanta would be highly unlikely to lower it, given the fact that he still has three years left on his deal.

What would Bellanova bring to Everton?

The Toffees need to improve their attacking threat down the right flank, and part of that will require them to sign a new right-winger.

Amid links to Jarrod Bowen, it seems as though they are aware of that.

However, they also need a right-back capable of having an influence in transition, which Bellanova can do.

He ranked among the top 7.5 per cent of fullbacks in the Serie A last season for his dribble success rate, as well as the top 26.4 per cent for chances created per 90.

Bellanova, atleast on the face of it, would be a smart addition to address the right-back concern that David Moyes has had for several seasons.