Everton look to have missed out on Gonzalo Villar

Everton look to have missed out on signing Elche midfielder Gonzalo Villar, who looks set to join Roma this month.

Alicante Plaza reported Everton’s interest in the Spain Under-21s international earlier this month, with the report claiming that the Toffees, as well as Juventus and Atalanta, had made contact with the Segunda Division side.

However the Blues now look to have lost out on the 21-year old, with reports in Italy claiming that Villar has agreed to join Roma in a €5million deal.

Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio claims that Villar was in attendance during Roma’s victory in the Rome Derby against Lazio last weekend, while Gazzetta dello Sport claim that a deal is as good as done at this point.

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Having played 20 times for Elche this season (WhoScored), Villar was said to have made a big impression in the Segunda Division in the first half of the campaign (TBR), leading to Everton’s interest.

With Andre Gomes and JP Gbamin both still out injured, Everton need to sign a midfielder this month, and Villar would have been a cheap option while also possessing potential to become an important player on Merseyside.

Now the Toffees will need to turn their attention elsewhere, with Inter Milan midfielder Matias Vecino the most likely recruit before Friday’s deadline. However, following conflicting reports about his potential arrival, it remains to be seen whether the club will be able to get any business done.