Exclusive: Confirmation of Everton bid for young defender, possible John Stones exit?

Earlier on Monday, we relayed an article from Calciomercato claiming that Everton had made a €30m bid for Juventus’ young centre-back Daniele Rugani.

Napoli, Arsenal and a few other Premier League clubs were all linked with the youngster at some stage over the past year, but it seems it is indeed Everton who have made the biggest step forward this transfer window, backed by their new owner.

Sport Witness have since had it confirmed the Merseyside club have indeed made an offer, but the negotiations between the two sides have currently been put to one side.

This isn’t an all out rejection by Juventus, as was reported by Calciomercato, but it’s a sign they aren’t willing to accept it straight away either, probably holding back for more.

The 21-year-old spent the vast majority of last season on the bench, but most defenders would when the competition for the spot happens to be Leonardo Bonucci, Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chellini.

Talk of him leaving Juventus was rife from when last summer’s transfer window came to a close all the way up until the end of January, but the youngster ended up staying.

This bid from Everton for a new, young centre-back could also suggest a certain John Stones could be on his way out, as we all know Manchester City are very interested in the England international.

Either that or Ronald Koeman sees a Rugani-Stones partnership as his long term defensive core.

One thing is certain, though, Everton aren’t messing around this window.