Stars aligning for Everton defender deal but rivals pose a problem

Kalidou.Koulibaly.2021.TEAMtalk1

Reports claim Everton defender Yerry Mina is open to the prospect of joining Napoli in a part-exchange deal for Kalidou Koulibaly.

Mina’s future has been the subject of many column inches in recent months, with reports he will be sold this summer. The Colombia international has been a regular starter for the Toffees and made 75 appearances in all competitions. But it has been claimed Carlo Ancelotti feels he is too error-prone to be part of his long-term Goodison Park plans.

Many clubs have been linked, with Milan and Fiorentina mentioned as possible suitors in early April. Turkish giants Fenerbahce have also been linked and Everton have reportedly slapped a £21m price tag on his head.

Ancelotti is said to be keen on Senegal international Koulibaly. The 29-year-old is enjoying his seventh season for the Serie A side.

He is valued at around the £42m mark and so Mina moving in the opposite direction would offset half the cost. And Football Insider are reporting that the former Barcelona stopper is keen on the idea of joining the Partenopei.

Whether Napoli are open to the deal only time will tell but other clubs may also enter the picture. Spanish outfit Valencia are also thought to hold an interest and might be an option for Mina.

Ancelotti makes Koulibaly ‘number one’ target

The Italian tactician has made no secret of his desire to strengthen the rearguard this summer. Everton have enjoyed a solid campaign and are still in with an outside chance of finishing in the top four.

Qualifying for the Europa League is a more realistic prosect as they sit eighth in the standings. And the experienced tactician knows that he will need a strong defence for the twin challenge of the league and Europe next term.

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Koulibaly would seem to fit the bill but there is a long way to go before he is in the ranks. One huge stumbling block may be Merseyside rivals Liverpool.

Reds boss Jurgen Klopp is also expected to bring in a world-class centre-back this summer and Koulibaly’s name has been mentioned. They want back-up for Virgil van Dijk, having seen just what his absence means to the team’s prospects.

Richarlison, Yerry Mina, Gylfi Sigurdsson

Napoli may look to cash in as the African can still command a sizeable fee despite turning 30 in June. It seems as though the two Liverpool clubs could do battle off the pitch before next season gets under way.

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