Everton interest in electric Serie A left-back confirmed but big January offer needed to beat competition

Everton are reportedly considering a January bid for Empoli left-back Fabiano Parisi, who has been in fine form in Serie A this season. 

The 22-year-old has accrued interest from a host of big European clubs, but the Toffees are one of the favourites to sign the Italy Under-21 international.

Frank Lampard is keen to add depth to his squad this season, as he seeks to evade another close shave with relegation.

Parisi may be a relatively unknown name in England, but this season he has well and truly broken onto the scene in the Italian topflight.

The left-back signed for Empoli for a fee of just £450,000 in 2020, but despite being a youngster, has since become a key player for the Florence-based team.

Parisi has already made 59 appearances across all competitions for Empoli and, as mentioned, has featured for the Italy’s U-21s, too – so he has plenty of experience under his belt

This season, however, has easily been his most impressive so far, after scoring two goals in 14 appearances, while helping his side to five clean sheets.

A pacy, confident player, Parisi is effective in defence but also likes to attack, often bombing up the wing and getting crosses into the area as every good wing-back should.

The Italian is also versatile, with the ability to play as a full-back, a left winger or a central midfielder, so he would provide some good cover for Frank Lampard in several positions.

The deal would be logical for Everton, too. They have so far been relying on Vitaly Mykolenko as their main left-back this season, who has started all of the Toffees’ league games so far.

While the Ukrainian has been impressive, Sporting CP loanee Ruben Vinagre is their only backup option. Lampard has afforded the former Wolves player with just 24 minutes of playing time in the Premier League this season, suggesting he does not trust him at all in big games.

With this in mind, Parisi could be an excellent addition to help cover for Mykolenko. However, Everton will reportedly face plenty of competition for the youngster in January.

Parisi deal could require a hefty transfer fee

According to Pianeta Empoli, the left-back is being targeted by Napoli, Juventus, Inter Milan, Lazio, Fiorentina and Torino in Italy. But Nice, Wolfsburg and Everton are currently the front runners to sign Parisi this winter.

However, the defender has previously reaffirmed his commitment to Empoli, stating he is grateful to be at the Italian club, despite being linked with moves away last summer.

Speaking to La Gazzetta Dello Sport, via Football Italia, Parisi said: “I’m not thinking about the transfer market, but about playing well with Empoli. This is the ideal club for youngsters because it makes you grow without pressure and allows you to make mistakes.

“The other big goal is to join the national team. I hope Mancini will give me a look.”

With Parisi being a key player for Empoli and under contract with them until 2025, it is believed a sizeable offer would be required in January to convince them to sell.

However, with his current dazzling form, his valuation may only go up in the future – especially if he gets the call-up to the Italy team that he dreams of.

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