Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti is keen to bring Verona’s highly sought-after defender Marash Kumbulla to Goodison Park, according to Corriere di Verona via Sport Witness.
Ancelotti had longed to sign Kumbulla during his time in charge of SSC Napoli, but was unable to capture the 19-year-old talent before leaving the Serie A outfit in December and taking up his position on Merseyside.
The boss is now believed to be considering options that can strengthen his defensive ranks at Goodison Park, but Director of Football Marcel Brands would face severe competition if he were to pursue Kumbulla on Ancelotti’s behalf.
Manchester United, Chelsea, Eintracht Frankfurt, SS Lazio and Fiorentina are all credited with an interest in the one-time Albania international, though it is Inter Milan who are on pole position to land his signature.
Inter have been in communication with Verona regarding a potential deal that would take Kumbulla to the San Siro in the summer for more than €20million (£17m), which is currently said to be enough to head the ever-growing queue emerging at the Stadio Marc’Antonio Bentegodi.
Would you back a move for Kumbulla?
Yes
No
Kumbulla has been in impressive form this season under head coach Ivan Juric, who has awarded the teenage star 13 appearances in all competitions to date – including 12 Serie A outings, each coming in the starting line-up.
Peschiera del Garda, Italy-born Kumbulla missed three top-flight matches in November through a Biceps femoris muscle injury, as well as sitting out Verona’s goalless draw with Udinese Calcio in September after being shown two yellow cards against Juventus.
His efforts in the Italian top-flight led to a senior international debut for Albania in October, having been previously capped at Under 17, U19 and U21 levels.
Verona have kept four clean sheets in the Serie A when Kumbulla has featured, while the 6ft centre-half is averaging 1.8 successful tackles from 2.8 attempts per 90 minutes, along with 1.6 interceptions, 2.7 clearances, 1.3 blocks, 36.1 passes, and wins 2.3 of his 3.7 aerial duels, per WhoScored data.
In other Everton news, the club can land a midfield target for €20m this month.