EVERTON have reportedly joined the bidding war for Napoli star Lorenzo Insigne following his Euro 2020 heroics.
That is according to Italian journalist Luca Marchetti, who says that the Toffees are keeping tabs on Insigne but will have to fight off the likes of Zenit Saint-Petersburg and Inter Milan.
DREAM TEAM 2021/22
PLAY DREAM TEAM FOR THE 2021/22 SEASON
- £100,000 prize pot up for grabs
- £50million budget to build your best XI
- Play in Mini Leagues against your mates, colleagues, etc
- Click here to play for FREE
- Dream Team app available through Apple Store and Google Play Store
Marchetti told Sky Italia: “Real interest for Insigne comes from Everton, where Rafa Benitez is, and from Zenit Saint-Petersburg, and it’s necessary to verify how much Inter can do seriously.
“Inter made it clear that they were [also interested] with [similar] messages.”
Italian journalist Ciro Venerato also confirmed Everton’s interest in Insigne – but claims that move is not likely.
The Merseysiders’ manager Benitez worked with the winger for two years when the Spaniard took charge of Napoli in 2013.
But the 61-year-old boss is also facing competition from Premier League rivals Tottenham.
And both top-flight clubs look set for a major transfer boost as the Partenopei could be forced to sell the 30-year-old for as little as £20million this summer.
Most read in Football
SKY BET – GET £30 IN FREE BETS BY BETTING AS LITTLE AS 5p
That is because the Italy international’s contract runs out next year and he is demanding a pay rise.
The Italian talisman wants £5m per year but Napoli president Aurelio de Laurentiis isn’t going over £3m.
De Laurentiis is losing patience and could agree to sell Insigne to one of his suitors with a significant discount in order to avoid losing him for free next year.
The star forward is in high demand following a brilliant Euro 2020 campaign that saw him helping Italy win the trophy following a dramatic final against England.
FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS
Read our Transfer news live blog for the very latest rumours, gossip and done deals