SSC Napoli are open to offers for Everton target Nikola Maksimovic, according to Radio Kiss Kiss via Milan Live.
Maksimovic is believed to be reassessing his future in Naples after facing a fight to feature under Gennaro Gattuso, who has frequently favoured Kalidou Koulibaly and Kostas Manolas since replacing Carlo Ancelotti at the San Paolo Stadium.
Gattuso did call on Maksimovic to play regularly following his return from a hamstring injury sustained at the turn of the year, but it appears the 28-year-old’s lengthy run in the side was not enough to convince him that his future is with the Serie A outfit.
Should Maksimovic become available in the current window, AC Milan would be expected to present an offer with the Rossoneri scouring the market for defensive upgrades this summer.
But the San Siro side could face competition from Everton and AS Roma, who likewise have an interest in the centre-half Napoli are said to value at an ‘affordable’ €20million (£18m).
Everton’s interest could stem from Ancelotti’s time at the Napoli helm as the Italian is cited by name alongside the Blues’ intrigue, suggesting the Toffees head coach is hopeful of completing a double swoop on his former side following reports of an agreement to sign Allan.
Would you welcome Maksimovic for €20m?
Yes
No
Maksimovic was hardly a regular under Ancelotti with the defender making 38 of his 72 outings for Napoli across all competitions under the now Everton head coach, who often preferred having the Serbian sitting alongside him in the dugout rather than on the pitch.
The 28-year-old’s longest run in the side during Serie A fixtures was just five matches between February and March 2019, in which he helped to four clean sheets before being dropped after defeat to Juventus.
His overall 22 league outings in 2019/20 helped Napoli to four clean sheets, thanks to averaging 1.4 interceptions, 1.6 tackles, 2.8 clearances, 1.9 aerial duels won, 2.3 ground duels won and 1.1 fouls committed per game, goals or penalties, per Sofa Score.
For €20m, Maksimovic could prove a reasonably solid buy, but he may need convincing that Ancelotti will award him a more consistent run in the side than he was given at Napoli.