Everton would need Kevin de Bruyne on their side, and a favourable package for Napoli, if they were to sign the Belgian midfielder in January.
The Toffees have been linked with a potentially surprising move for the 35-year-old midfielder over the last two weeks.
On the face of, it is perhaps one of the more wild transfer rumours that can be dismissed out of hand. But reports are insisting that De Bruyne has not ruled out a move away from Naples in January.
Indeed, the midfielder has even admitted that he’s received messages and is evaluating his situation. PSV Eindhoven are one of the other sides in the mix.
Everton transfer effort
Everton’s interest was first reported earlier this week. That report claimed that Everton had been in touch to discuss the feasibility of a move.
A second, separate report then backed up the idea a few days later. It was evident that the idea was growing in Naples at least.
A later report then explained that De Bruyne actually wants to move back to Belgium to live there. That would put PSV at the front of the queue as they’re only an hour’s drive away from Flanders. Everton would be a considerably bigger commute.
Now, Corriere del Mezzogiorno report what it would take to get him out of Napoli in January. and it seems that the Italian side are not interested in making things easy.
“Regarding De Bruyne, Napoli is aware of his value,” they report.
“They also know the technical contribution he is making in a complicated season; they would only consider his departure if there is a strong desire from the player to go elsewhere.
“Favourable conditions should also present themselves. No severance pay to balance the salary and perhaps even adequate compensation in favor of Napoli for giving up their most representative player halfway through the season.”
Will Everton pay?
Kevin De Bruyne
Kevin De Bruyne
Whether that’s enough to put off Everton even making an attempt, remains to be seen. On the face of it, a move for an ageing De Bruyne makes little sense.
The coffers are hardly flowing at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, especially with the Friedkins looking to sell up. Funds have to be used wisely.
It seems unlikely David Moyes would want to use those available on another midfielder when he still only has one striker in his squad. That’s before you even discuss the lack of options at left-back.
Napoli’s demands seem clear enough, pay up or shut up. It would be surprising if Everton are willing to do the former.