Carlo Ancelotti enquired about Napoli midfield duo Allan and Piotr Zielinski in January, according to Italian journalist Ciro Venerato, speaking to Calcio Napoli 24.
Following Andre Gomes’ injury in November, it was reported (Liverpool Echo) that Everton were set to draw up plans to sign a midfielder in January, a stance that was maintained throughout the transfer window.
Numerous names were linked with the club over the past few months, however, no move came to fruition in January, with Everton’s only signing of the month coming in young Carlisle defender Jarrad Branthwaite for the club’s Under-23s.
However, according to journalist Venerato, that wasn’t for trying on Everton’s part, with the Toffees having made contact with Napoli to enquire about two of Ancelotti’s former players.
Speaking to Calcio Napoli 24, when asked about Everton’s recent reported interest in Napoli wide man Hirving Lozano, Venerato said:
Maybe Lozano is really a good player, but he’s been misused: he knows how to dribble, but I don’t think he’s worth the €50m spent. It would be right to give him a chance next season, otherwise send him on loan in Italy to find himself.
That is unless Ancelotti also enquires about him for Everton after asking about Allan and Zielinski.
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Both Allan and Zielinski could have improved Everton’s quality in midfield immediately if they had been signed by the Toffees in January.
Zielinski emerged as a target for Liverpool earlier this season, after Jurgen Klopp personally praised the Poland international following Napoli’s Champions League matchup against the Reds.
Described as a ‘very strong’ passer of the ball (WhoScored), and once described as ‘the next Kevin De Bruyne‘, the Poland international is well regarded, and he could be the answer to Everton’s midfield woes.
Allan meanwhile is a battler, having been described as Napoli’s long-unheralded dynamo, and with Everton lacking an element of steel in midfield through the likes of Fabian Delph and Morgan Schneiderlin, Allan’s ‘strong’ tackling and passing ability could have been used to great impact in Ancelotti’s system at Goodison Park.
Either of the duo will likely prove expensive if Everton resurrect their interest in the summer, with Napoli having Allan tied down until 2023, while Zielinski is subject of contract talks at the San Paolo.
However, if Everton do make a move for either of them, they could find themselves having one or two very capable midfielders on their hands.
