SHARE

Everton are ‘interested’ in Schalke defender Malick Thiaw, who is interested in taking the ‘next step’ in his career.

That’s according to Sport 1, who say the Toffees are one of several clubs keen on the centre-back.

They cover Thiaw’s future amid interest from AC Milan, who are interested in the young defender as a replacement for the injured Simon Kjaer.

The website reports that ‘intensive talks’ are underway between the Italians and the Germans, with the former keen to get the German U21 this month.

They need a replacement for Kjaer after he was ruled out for the rest of the season with a ruptured cruciate ligament, and Thiaw fits into their model of targeting younger players to develop.

The player is ‘quite interested’ in taking the next step in his career, but both he and his entourage are leaning towards a move in the summer.

Thiaw could have other options available to him at that point, as Napoli, West Ham, and Everton are ‘also interested’ in the defender.

This is backed up by Sport 1 reporter Patrick Berger, who confirms Milan’s interest but says Everton are ‘also in the running’ for his signature.

Neither make it clear if the Blues and the other suitors are looking at a move this month or in the summer, but the latter seems more likely for Everton, given they don’t have a manager at this moment in time.

That would suggest transfer business is on hold for the time being, although given the chaos at Goodison Park, the exact opposite could be true.

Either way, they’re apparently keen on Thiaw, but there is competition from England and Italy for his signature.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR