Everton are assessing the market for a new central defender this summer transfer window.
Michael Keane is currently due to leave at the end of the season, as his one-year contract is coming to an end.
Everton are drawing up a list of potential replacements, with Manchester City’s John Stones believed to be on David Moyes’ radar.
Would a return for John Stones on a free make any sense for Everton? 🧐
His experience could prove priceless! 🏆
John Stones lifts the Premier League trophy for Manchester City.
Credit: Getty Images/Justin Setterfield
Now, there is a fresh rumour linking the Toffees to a defender who actually used to work as a bricklayer not too long ago.
Juventus centre-back Federico Gatti.
Photo by Image Photo Agency/Getty Images
Everton target Federico Gatti used to be a bricklayer
It has emerged that Everton are exploring a deal to sign Federico Gatti from Serie A giants Juventus this summer.
Gatti has been put up for sale by Juve, who are believed to be demanding around £22m to sanction his sale.
The 27-year-old, who has been capped eight times by Italy, is viewed as a sellable asset as Luciano Spalletti looks to raise funds to strengthen other areas of the pitch.
MORE EVERTON STORIES
Gatti has a pretty remarkable story as he didn’t turn professional until he was 22-years-old, when he joined Serie C club Pro Patria for £88,000.
Early thoughts ahead of the Merseyside Derby? 👀
Danny Murphy.
Prior to that, he was earning his living as a bricklayer and in various other jobs.
“I had lots of jobs, I will never forget that past,” Gatti said in 2022.
“In fact it gives me strength during difficult moments to keep going. I did a bit of everything. I worked in supermarkets, a window-fitter, a builder. Fortunately, things went well with football in the end.”
Gatti’s rise to the top shows what a terrific mentality he has, so it should give Everton added confidence in pushing through a deal.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Everton content each week direct to your mailbox