Lazio forward Keita Balde has reportedly turned down a move to Everton, despite the clubs reaching an agreement for the 22-year-old.
Rome based newspaper Il Messaggero, as cited by Sport Witness, reported the news, after suggesting a few weeks ago that Liverpool had a bid rejected for the forward. Now, arch rivals Everton have suffered the same fate, except that the rejection came from the player.
The Italian outlet reported that Balde was being lined up by Toffees manager Ronald Koeman to replace Belgian talisman Romelu Lukaku, in the likelihood that their star man departs for greener pastures.
It appears that the Senegal international is holding out for move to Italian champions Juventus, as he looks to remain in Serie A.
Balde scored 16 goals in 34 appearances for Lazio last season, and refused to sign a new contract with the club as he pushes for a move away.
With Lazio hoping to sell at around £30 million, and only very few Italian clubs willing to match that offer, it may become Balde’s only option to move to the Premier League if he wants to further his career.
