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Report: Everton make late approach to sign sought after €20m midfielder as potential deal collapses

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Image for Report: Everton make late approach to sign sought after €20m midfielder as potential deal collapses

Everton have made a late January window approach to UC Sampdoria to discuss a deal for the Serie A side’s sought after midfielder Ronaldo Vieira, according to Football Insider.

Boss Carlo Ancelotti is believed to be a big admirer of the 21-year-old, having regularly watched the Leeds United product in Italian top-flight action since he left Elland Road in 2018.

Sampdoria paid an initial £7.7million to acquire the England U21 international, though their deal with the Whites could see the West Yorkshire outfit net £10m.

But I Blucerchiati may look to make a quick profit on the Bissau-born midfielder, as it is claimed the Stadio Luigi Ferraris natives value Vieira at £14m and have made him available for a move ahead of Friday’s deadline.

West Ham United were closing in on a deal for Vieira earlier in the window, but saw their advances collapse when manager David Moyes rejected the 5 ft 10 youngster to favour a £13m pursuit of Slavia Prague’s Tomas Soucek.

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Reports in Italy claimed the Irons had actually offered more than the fee Football Insider believe would be enough for Vieira, with Telenord suggesting a bid of around €20m (£16.9m) was on the table ready to challenge Claudio Ranieri’s resistance.

The Daily Mail also recently claimed that the Hammers saw a bid of £12m rejected by Sampdoria, as they are eager to retain the former Benfica academy player, who had been targeted by Burnley as Clarets boss Sean Dyche continued to chase his first winter signing.

Vieira has proven to be a somewhat reckless midfielder in the Serie A this season, with referees awarding him seven yellow cards and one straight red already this term.

He struggles to offer a creative presence, as well, with only one assist in 18 Italian top-flight appearances, having produced a total of 21 key balls, per WhoScored data.

Former Leicester boss Ranieri has witnessed Vieira prove himself as someone comfortable in possession since his appointment, though, as the 21-year-old averages 42.5 passes per 90 minutes in the Serie A with 7.3 failing to find a teammate.

Vieira also averages 0.5 successful dribbles, 1.5 shots, 1.8 successful tackles, 1.0 interceptions, 1.6 clearances and 0.7 blocks.

In other Everton news, Ancelotti’s ‘dream’ January target is hoping Director of Football Marcel Brands makes an official bid for him this week.

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