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Report: Everton see cut-priced bid rejected as Ancelotti increases chase of ace with 100 duels won

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Image for Report: Everton see cut-priced bid rejected as Ancelotti increases chase of ace with 100 duels won

Everton have seen a cut-priced bid for SSC Napoli star midfielder Allan rejected, according to Sky Sport journalist Luca Marchetti whilst speaking on Marte Sport Live, via Il Napoli Online.

Marchetti is of the understanding that Everton have formalised their interest in a summer move to sign Allan, who Napoli are open to selling should a suitable offer fall on the table.

Napoli believe Eljif Elmas could replace Allan in the deep-lying role of Genaro Gattuso’s midfield, having invested heavily in his development and feeling there are still significant margins for the North Macedonian to develop.

Toffees boss Carlo Ancelotti likewise thinks fondly of Elmas’ talents but is seemingly keen to reunite with Allan, who he called on to play in 61 fixtures during his time at the San Paolo Stadium.

Ancelotti must encourage Director of Football Marcel Brands to increase his bid for Allan, however, as it is suggested Everton have only offered €25million (£22.7m) for the 29-year-old but that the offer was “too low” in comparison to Napoli President Aurelio de Laurentiis’ demands.

Marchetti does not claim to which sum de Laurentiis would accept for Allan to leave Italy in the summer, though it has previously been noted that the Brazilian carries a €40m (£36.4m) asking price as Napoli believe another year together would only see his value decrease.

The £14m difference in valuations will likely see negotiations between Brands and de Laurentiis continue deeper into the summer, with the window opening for business on Monday, July 27 and likely running until October.

Should Brands offer €40m for Allan?

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Yes

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Ancelotti will surely be keen to see a deal for Allan wrapped up before the confirmed start of the 2020/21 Premier League season on September 12, if the Italian is indeed courting a reunion this summer.

Allan would add a vastly experienced holding midfielder to Ancelotti’s side if Brands can strike an agreement with Napoli, for whom the Brazilian has represented in 31 fixtures across all competitions this season.

Gattuso had started Allan in his side’s return to action last month but was forced into making an early second-half change when the 29-year-old suffered from muscle fatigue, which would rule the nine-cap international out of the following three fixtures.

Nevertheless, Allan ranks sixth in Napoli’s squad for ground duels won in the Serie A this term with 90, per Sofa Score, and has won 10 aerial duels with a total duel success rate of 51.28%.

Allan also ranks second for tackles made (50) ahead of Saturday night’s meeting with Sassuolo, while recording 16 interceptions, 783 total passes and has been dribbled past 36 times.

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