Everton are chasing a deadline day deal for Croatian World Cup finalist Ivan Perisic.
The experienced 31-year-old winger is wanted by Carlo Ancelotti’s side as a replacement for Bernard, who looks set to depart Goodison Park for a move to Al Nasr.
According to Football Insider, it is a case of Perisic being a like-for-like replacement as Everton look to retain cover on their left flank. The Toffees have ‘registered their interest’ in the player.
Perisic is currently on the books at Inter Milan but spent last season on loan at Bayern Munich, where he won the Bundesliga title and the Champions League.
He has started in just 10 of Inter Milan’s 20 games in Serie A this season and is seemingly not paramount to Antonio Conte’s plans. Having scored just two goals and three assists, shipping out Perisic could be ideal for all parties – but there is a hitch.
Inter CEO Giuseppe Marotta has claimed [via Fabrizio Romano]: “We’re not selling or buying any player today. Christian Eriksen is staying too. The swap deal Dzeko-Alexis Sanchez with AS Roma is off”.
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It may well be a case of two Italian managers working together to complete mutual objectives, with Everton seemingly requiring imminent cover on their left side.
Despite having Richarlison on the books, the loan departures of Cenk Tosun and Ellis Simms leaves Everton short of strikers – and the Brazilian could have a secondary role at Goodison Park.
Deputising as a striker, extra depth could provide added insurance for the Toffees in the second half of the season.
With Perisic in and out of Conte’s Inter Milan side, there looks to be a solid foundation for a deal to be done. Time will be of the essence, and any developments could go down to the wire.
