Everton are now interested in signing AC Milan left-back Fode Ballo-Toure this summer as the Blues look to strengthen their defensive options.
The 26-year-old will already be familiar with Toffees midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye from the Senegalese national side, though the two could now be Everton teammates this season.
That is according to journalist Sebastien Denis, who took to Twitter to confirm Everton’s interest in the Champions League defender, though the Blues will face competition for his signature.
Indeed, Denis also confirmed that Toure has attracted the attention of fellow Premier League side Fulham, while Serie A side Bologna and German outfit Werder Bremen are also interested.
Toure has found minutes on the pitch hard to come by at the San Siro and only featured in 10 games last season for Milan, making the same total during the previous campaign.
Denis confirmed via his tweet that Toure’s decision to leave Milan is due to his desire to play first team football, which may be available to him at Goodison Park.
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Ballo-Toure could find first team football at Everton, if they have the funds to pursue him
Indeed, Everton’s current left-back option Vitalii Mykolenko has been found wanting at times and it was recently reported in The Times that Sean Dyche wanted to sign a replacement this summer.
Furthermore, the Toffees are also reportedly interested Premier League veteran Ashley Young, who is now available after being released by Aston Villa, according to the Daily Mail.
Young is available on a free transfer, but at 38-years-of age would only be a short-term solution, while Toure is 12 years his junior but has two years remaining on his current deal in Milan.
However, what kind of fee the Italian giants would want for the Senegal international remains to be seen, as does the size of Everton’s transfer kitty this summer.