Everton are looking to close a deal for Napoli defender Nikola Maksimović as ‘soon as possible’ as they look to improve their centre back options this summer.
The Blues are known to be on the hunt for a centre back this summer and have been linked to several around Europe as a result.
One of those named as a potential target is Maksimović, with reports emerging earlier this month that Everton were ‘serious’ about a move.
There’s been a regular set of updates since then, with reports stating Everton had ‘stepped up’ their interest in him and were in the ‘front row’ to get a deal over the line.
The latest of those reports came five days ago, and now Venerato has offered an update on the situation telling Radio Goal on Kiss Kiss Napoli, relayed by Area Napoli, that “Everton is also waiting to close for Maksimovic as soon as possible.”
That was all that Venerato was willing to offer on the subject, failing to mention anything about negotiations between the two clubs, about asking price or anything of that nature.
It would make sense for them to be pushing for a move, though.
They had been keen on Gabriel Magalhães and were pursuing him for several months, but the Brazilian now looks more likely to move to Arsenal or Napoli.
Indeed, reports have claimed that Everton have given up, so it would be logical for them to be pushing ahead with a move for an alternative.
Whether Maksimović is an ideal alternative is up for debate, but the fact Carlo Ancelotti knows him well from his time at Napoli also adds credence to a move, and it’s likely we’ll hear more about this in the coming days and weeks.
