Everton have registered an interest in Verona centre-back Marash Kumbulla, according to the print version of La Gazzetta dello Sport, cited by Sport Witness.
The Albanian defender has become a major player for the Serie A side this season, playing 12 times for the Gialloblu.
Tutomercatoweb reported earlier this month that Manchester United were interested in signing the 19-year old, and now Gazzetta dello Sport have backed up that report, while also throwing Everton and Chelsea’s names into the mix.
Gazzetta report (via Sport Witness) that Carlo Ancelotti is a big fan of the defender and had previously shown an interest in bringing him to Napoli before he left the Partenopei in December.
Everton still need to sign a centre-back this month with just Mason Holgate, Michael Keane and Yerry Mina as senior options at Goodison Park, leaving the Merseyside outfit a little light on depth.
Gazzetta also report that Inter Milan are interested in Kumbulla, with Antonio Conte said to ‘like him very much’, having agreed a deal in principle of around €12million ahead of the summer.
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Gazzetta’s report claims that Conte likes Kumbulla for his tactical flexibility in that he can operate in both a back four and a back three, and that is something which could appeal to Carlo Ancelotti’s sensibilities.
So far since taking over as Everton boss, Ancelotti has experimented with his line-up, utilising a 3-5-2 formation on occasions as well as his usual 4-4-2.
WhoScored claim that Kumbulla’s discipline and passing ability lets him down, although he likes to tackle and his concentration levels are good. If Ancelotti wants a defender who is comfortable on the ball and get operate in the same way that Mason Holgate currently can, then Kumbulla isn’t the right man for the job.
However, should Ancelotti be prioritising a resolute defender who can remain switched on and isn’t afraid to put himself about, then maybe it would be worth taking a punt on the teenager, if Everton can somehow leapfrog themselves to the front of the queue.
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