A few Everton supporters have been reacting on social media, after Calciomercato named the Toffees as one of the interested parties still in the frame to sign AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie.
The Ivory Coast international returned to Milan on Monday from his extended summer break on the back of reaching the Quarter-Finals of the Africa Cup of Nations, but faces an uncertain future at the San Siro.
Marco Giampaolo wants to evaluate what the 22-year-old can bring to his side during their pre-season, having replaced Milan icon Gennaro Gattuso at the helm in June, as Kessie’s playstyle is not thought to match well with that of the former Sampdoria head coach.
Calciomercato note that Giampaolo prefers more technically gifted options in the engine room of his midfield, whereas Kessie thrives when relying on the more physical aspects of his game.
Milan have held Kessie on their transfer list throughout the summer, as well, but are yet to receive any concrete offers for the midfielder they value at no less than €40million (£36.7m).
There had been speculation that the Rossoneri could part ways with the Atalanta product for €35million (£32.1m), at a time we, West Ham, Arsenal and Tottenham were connected with his services.
However, that figure would leave the San Siro natives with just €1million (£917,563) in profit from the €24m (£22m) investment made earlier this summer, when they turned his €10m (£9.1m) two-season loan deal into a permanent fixture.
Only Everton, Arsenal and Tottenham are believed to still be in the frame to sign the midfielder, with time running out for Milan to strike a deal at their asking price, as the Chinese market has already closed and the English window slams shut for Premier League sides on Thursday at 17:00.
The trio of top-flight English sides are yet to approach the Rossoneri with an official offer, however, with each said to have approached the San Siro natives throughout the summer to carry out timid surveys and request information.
Here’s how these Blues fans reacted when Calciomercato’s claims were shared on Reddit…