Everton given hope as target likely to say no to Serie A offer

Very likely to be leaving Russia this transfer window, Axel Witsel isn’t short of options with Premier League and Serie A clubs vying for his services.

Reported to have had a bid accepted, Everton seemed the favourites, but Napoli and Roma had also both expressed interest since, and the former of the two are currently awaiting a response from the Belgian international.

According to Wednesday’s edition of Gazzetta dello Sport, the Zenit midfielder is expected to give his answer tomorrow (Thursday), and it’s likely to be a ‘no’.

This will certainly provide Everton with a boost in their chase for the 27-year-old, valued by the Russian club at around £30m. Although it does contract other reports.

However, Inter Milan and Mancini have now turned up, meaning as one Serie A club leaves the race, another joins it, providing more competition for Ronald Koeman’s side.

Witsel was instrumental to both Zenit’s and Belgium’s cause over the course of the season, making 41 appearances for St Petersburg club, scoring six goals and picking up five assists in the process.