Loads of Everton fans have been reacting on social media to reports by TuttoMercatoWEB that we have held ‘advanced talks’ with Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
The Swedish icon left LA Galaxy at the end of the recent MLS season and has attracted interest from some of Europe’s leading clubs, including his former side AC Milan.
The Rossoneri are understood to have tabled a contract offer to Ibrahimovic, which they deem to be final, though comes in 40% below the net salary demanded by the forward and agent Mino Raiola.
If they do not improve their offer, Milan risk missing out on re-signing the 38-year-old as he could instead be heading for Goodison Park, should we finalise a deal to name Carlo Ancelotti as our next manager.
Ancelotti is after certain guarantees that will see the 60-year-old put pen to paper on a deal with the Toffees, which includes the specific request to sign Ibrahimovic.
Discussions between the club and Ibrahimovic have not yet led to a proposal which matches the veteran striker’s wage demands, but could be nearer to his desired value than the offer previously presented by Milan.
It has been speculated that the Rossoneri offered Ibrahimovic a €6million, 18-month contract (£65,351-per-week) as Directors Zvonimir Boban and Paolo Maldini are keen to bring the forward back to the San Siro, though they will not break the bank to match his demands.
Would you sign Ibrahimovic in January?
Yes, make it happen!
Only as a short-term fix
No, he's not what we need
Ibrahimovic hit 31 goals in 31 games during the 2019 MLS season as Galaxy reached the MLS Cup Play-Offs Quarter-Finals, and struck 29 in 53 appearances for Manchester United during an injury ravished spell in England before heading Stateside.
Here are some of the messages shared as fans reacted to the reports from Italy that we have held advanced negotiations to sign Ibrahimovic…
Even short term to teach DCL
— DanRowley usm mr Everton 2015 (@rowleydan) December 17, 2019
Gascogne,Ginola and Eto do we never learn
— Leeefc56 (@Leeefc56) December 18, 2019
Hope not. Getting on now, possibly injury prone. Want to build a good squad around young and experienced players but not 35/36
— debbie (@debbiewright197) December 18, 2019
Until Friday when Moyes signs with Marcus Bent in tow 🙄
— Matt Howe 🌊🏴 (@matt_itsme) December 18, 2019
If this happens it is about 1 thing only and that’s shirt sales and publicity. I hope this isnt s sign of things to come under Ancelotti. We need young hungry players and coaches..@SteveRobbo46?
— Andy fielding (@arf_79) December 18, 2019
Would be an awful signing. Would destroy the dressing room on inflated wages looking after himself and himself only. He is the polar opposite of what Brands was brought in to do and he is definitely not an Everton player
— Ryan O’Hanlon (@RyanOHanlon1) December 18, 2019
Doubtful. That’s papers selling papers and agents with agendas
— Paul Lightley (@PaulLightley) December 17, 2019
I’d love to see him bully VVD – now that would be entertaining
— Kell (@Kelltheblue) December 18, 2019
In other Everton news, a £70m Toffees star has emerged as a January target for a struggling European side.