In January, Calciomercato IT covered Everton’s interest in Genoa’s Brooke Norton-Cuffy.
There was competition from West Ham, but the Toffees were said to be better placed for the deal. Italian sides like Juventus and Inter Milan were also attempting to sign him in January but a deal never progressed.
No clubs met the ex-Arsenal player’s price, so he ended up staying at Genoa. Despite that, his future in Italy remains in question.
Everton are now presented as leading the race to land the 22-year-old right-back.
Genoa journalist Pino Brenzini spoke to Radio Napoli Centrale and he prominently mentioned the future of Norton-Cuffy.
He said – relayed by TuttoNapoli: “We’ve heard some talk between Inter, Juventus, and the Premier League, involving a fee of €16-17m.”
Brenzini also clarified that Everton are leading the race for the defender and Genoa are likely to sell him abroad.
“Everton is in pole position for next season. Genoa prefers to sell players abroad.”
Norton-Cuffy wasn’t the only right-back Everton were linked with in Serie A. The Toffees also saw Emil Holm as a target and made contact for him. The Swede ended up joining Juventus on deadline day.
All of that shows that David Moyes’ side could come forward for a right-back again in the next few months.
Norton Cuffy has impressed this season for Genoa. He’s played 21 times in Serie A, scoring once and assisting once. The youngster has made a mark with his ability to carry the ball and athletic impact.
He also has experience of playing in England, having had loans at Millwall, Coventry City and Rotherham United.
As a result, the defender looks like a reasonable option for Everton. He is also unlikely to cost much, which will have an impact when the summer budget is being decided.