Everton chase exciting deadline-day deal for Mourinho favourite

Ivan Perisic TEAMtalk

Everton are hoping to wrap up an exciting deadline-day move for Croatia international Ivan Perisic, claims a report.

Carlo Ancelotti is desperate to add some attacking options to his squad and Everton have made an enquiry for the 31-year-old.

Football Insider report that Everton are looking for a replacement for Bernard, who looks set to leave to Goodison.

Speaking after the defeat to Newcastle, Ancelotti has admitted the club are open to adding to their squad, but said they were “not desperate”.

Perisic, 31,  spent last season out on loan at Bayern Munich, where he became a Champions League, DFB-Pokal and Bundesliga winner.

However, Bayern turned down the opportunity to sign him on a permanent basis, leading to rumours in the summer he could be on the move.

Perisic did not leave Inter though and has started 10 of their 20 Serie A matches this season.

There were suggestions that Perisic was not a good fit for Antonio Conte’s 3-5-2 system, but he has made 26 appearances in all competitions, scoring twice and grabbing three assists.

 

Carlo Ancelotti slams lazy and slow Everton

Carlo Ancelotti slams lazy and slow Everton

Carlo Ancelotti has criticised his Everton side's performance in their 2-0 defeat to Newcastle.

 

Man Utd target

Perisic is a long-term target of Manchester United’s and he came close to joining United when Jose Mourinho was in charge.

Mourinho was very keen on landing the winger and the player admitted he almost signed for the Red Devils.

“How close was I going there? Very close,” he told The Athletic in September 2019.

“It was an amazing thing for me when Jose called me. It was difficult to say no to him. In fact, I really, really wanted to join him and play for United. It was a dream of mine to play in all the big leagues. But it didn’t happen.

“It was painful for me. But I don’t want to go into the details. I only found out myself the real reasons two years later.”

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