Everton could now sign a new defender for just £20m this summer, having identified a target who could be a great fit for the Premier League, according to a report.
Toffees pursuing centre-back amid Branthwaite uncertainty
Speculation continues to mount about the long-term future of Jarrad Branthwaite, with Manchester United willing to shell out £50m for the defender, while Tottenham Hotspur and Real Madrid have also previously been linked with moves.
As such, David Moyes may be tasked with bringing in a replacement during his first summer transfer window back at Goodison Park, and the manager recently conducted a personal scouting mission to watch Burnley's Maxime Esteve over the weekend.
Another option could be Juventus' Federico Gatti, with the Toffees being handed fresh hope of signing the Italian defender, given that contract talks have been delayed until the end of the campaign, which could open the door for a move elsewhere.
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He could replace Calvert-Lewin.
Gatti is not the only Serie A defender on the shortlist, however, with a report from Football Insider revealing Everton hold an interest in Koni De Winter, and there has been a positive development in their pursuit, as Genoa are now happy to sell the defender.
There is widespread interest in De Winter's signature from the Premier League and across Europe, with Wolverhampton Wanderers and Inter Milan in the picture, but a move to Goodison Park could be on the cards, should Moyes' side be willing to fork out £20m - £25m.
koni-de-winter-genoa
A bid in that region would be accepted by the Italian side, in news that will come as a boost for the Toffees, who are looking to sign a new centre-back regardless of whether Branthwaite moves on this summer.
The Genoa defender's physicality could make him an ideal fit for the Premier League, and it looks like a move could now be possible for a reasonable fee.
Everton's upcoming Premier League fixtures Date
Liverpool (a) April 2nd
Arsenal (h) April 5th
Nottingham Forest (a) April 12th
Manchester City (h) April 19th
Chelsea (a) April 26th
"Imperious" De Winter could be a fantastic signing
The 22-year-old has been a key player for Genoa for quite some time, having previously received high praise from journalist Sacha Tavolieri, who described him as "imperious" last season.
Tavolieri also hailed the Belgian as his nation's "best" right-footed centre-back, and he has since gone on to establish himself at international level, receiving his second cap last month.
The 6-foot-3 colossus has used his imposing height to his advantage on many an occasion, ranking in the 93rd percentile for aerials won per 90 over the past year, while also placing in the 95th percentile for non-penalty goals, when compared to his positional peers.
With Michael Keane's contract set to expire in the summer, it is important Moyes bolsters his defensive options this summer, and the Genoa star is showing plenty of signs that he would be a good fit at Goodison Park.