There seems to be no end to the central defender links to Everton. Kalidou Koulibaly, Gleison Bremer and Gianluca Mancini popped up from time to time and now the Toffees have been linked to Napoli defender Nikola Maksimovic who is set to leave Naples at the end of the season.
Napoli are preparing for life after Koulibaly as they have started working towards a replacement should the Senegalese leave. The chances of the 29-year-old leaving are high as per several reports and the name of Everton has been associated several times. Koulibaly has always been fascinated with the idea of playing in the Premier League hence the links to Everton. Liverpool and Manchester United remain afloat.
However, landing Koulibaly by beating the likes of Liverpool and other European powerhouses isn’t an easy task nor is the economical aspect of the transfer. Napoli will not part ways with the Senegalese for cheap and expect at least €50 million for the central defender.
The Toffees are keeping an eye on another Napoli defender in Maksimovic. The Serbian’s deal at Diego Armando Maradona Stadium expires at the end of this season and has failed to reach an extension with the Neapolitans.
Everton have asked for information on Nikola Maksimovic
According to Journalist Nicolo Schira, Maksimovic will leave Napoli at the end of the season and there are several suitors. In Italy, AS Roma and Inter Milan want him whereas in the Premier League Everton and West Ham United have asked for information on the 29-year-old. Interestingly, the profiles of Maksimovic and Koulibaly are handled by the same agent – Fali Ramadani.
Maksimovic was linked to the Royal Blues last summer when the club was actively seeking reinforcements in central defence. Napoli were asking €20 million from any interested party which was not a reasonable price for a player whose contract is expiring in 12 months’ time.
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According to another report from Calciomercato, Inter Milan have already established contacts whereas Roma has already held the first meeting with the player’s entourage. The Serb is aware this will be the last major contract of his career as he approaches the twilight of his playing career and demands a salary of €3 million. Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti values Maksimovic highly and would keep an eye on the 29-year-old.
It is now almost inevitable to ignore these reports linking the Toffees to a centre back. Even though the club has abundant options with four fit centre backs, it appears Ancelotti wants a central defender with European experience and a certain set of qualities.
Maksimovic played 38 games under Ancelotti when the Italian was the boss at Napoli for a year and a half. The 61-year-old often used Koulibaly and Maksimovic as the centre back pairing and now appears to be eyeing a move for one of his former players.
Should the Toffees indulge in the battle to sign Nikola Maksimovic on a free transfer?