Big double gripe over Everton regular inspires Ancelotti plan to fund key target

Kalidou Koulibaly, Ante Rebic AC Milan v Napoli March 2021

Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti is willing to use Yerry Mina’s transfer value to offload the cost of a successful raid for Kalidou Koulibaly, a report claims.

Napoli centre-back Koulibaly has attracted attention from clubs across Europe for a number of seasons. The 29-year-old continues to be one of the best in his position, with Premier League clubs showing interest. Indeed, Chelsea and Manchester United are among those to have had eyes on the Senegal star of late.

However, recent reports have claimed that Merseyside rivals Everton and Liverpool also want the player.

talkSPORT have claimed that the Toffees have “genuine interest” in a player who ex-Napoli boss Ancelotti knows well.

More recently, though, journalist Ian McGarry said that the Reds had made an initial £34.2million offer.

Nevertheless, Football Insider says that Ancelotti is willing to use Mina in his plan to land Koulibaly. The Colombian has played a crucial role this season, making 19 Premier League starts.

But the source says that while Ancelotti ‘admires’ the 26-year-old, the manager believes deep down that he is ‘too erratic and error-prone’ to play for a top-tier side.

As such, Everton have devised a plan to use him as a makeweight. The Blues are well aware that they will not fetch above £20million for Mina’s services this summer.

Graeme Sharp: 'New stadium can bring Everton to next level'

Graeme Sharp: 'New stadium can bring Everton to next level'

Graeme Sharp believes moving to a bigger stadium will put Everton in a stronger position to attract top players and grow as a club.

Indeed, transfer fees across the board will slip due to the ongoing cost of the coronavirus pandemic.

But that means that Koulibaly’s fee will also drop, meaning that £20million could therefore go a long way to taking the brunt of the fee off Everton’s hands.

The report adds that Ancelotti is looking for an ‘A-list’ centre-back signing, with other targets on his list.

Liverpool reportedly table Koulibaly bid

Meanwhile, speaking on the Transfer Window podcast, McGarry said of Liverpool’s reported approach: “They have had a long-standing interest in the Napoli centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly, which we have reported in detail over the last year.

“It is our understanding that an informal offer to begin with of €40m (£34.2m) plus add-ons has been made for the player, who’s certainly available.

“Certainly Jurgen Klopp looks at him as being a very, very suitable partner for Virgil van Dijk. He’s expected to return before the start of next season and do pre-season with Liverpool as well.


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“Koulibaly has had interest from Manchester City and Manchester United but Liverpool look to be leading the race now in a reduced-price market for a player. Okay he’s 29, but that does also give him the advantage of the experience.

“He will be able to hit the ground running with regards to coming into a new club.”

READ MORE: Liverpool told out-of-favour Chelsea forward could be their ‘next Jota’