Everton have begun talks with Italian giants Juventus over a move for centre-back Merih Demiral, according to reports.
Andrea Pirlo’s side are planning are summer rebuild after falling behind in the Serie A title race.
Their nine-year stint as Italian champions looks set to be ended by Antonio Conte and Inter Milan.
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As a result, Pirlo wants to bring in a host of new players in the coming months.
But first he needs to sell, and one of the players who could exit Turin is Demiral.
According to Italian outlet Calciomercato (via Express), Everton have opened negotiations about a transfer for the defender.
The Toffees are hoping to bring the Turkish international to Goodison Park to bolster their backline.
The report states that they’re willing to pay between £22million and £27million for his signature.
Juventus’ valuation of the player is unclear, but they could be tempted into a deal.
Demiral hasn’t been one of Pirlo’s first-choice centre-backs this campaign.
He’s made 14 league appearances and has also had to deal with a number of injuries.
Pirlo can rely on the old guard of Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci at the back, alongside young starlet Matthijs de Ligt.
That means Demiral has no route into the starting eleven and could be tempted into joining Everton.
Scouts at the Premier League club have earmarked Demiral as a potential star in England.
He would provide the likes of Michael Keane and Ben Godfrey with great competition in Carlo Ancelotti’s squad.
The Italian also has Mason Holgate and Yerry Mina at his disposal.
Demiral isn’t the only player who is close to securing an Everton move.
The Toffees are firmly in the race for impressive Norwich right-back Max Aarons. The England U21 international has just helped his side return to the Premier League, but will now be allowed a big money move.
Everton are rivalling Spurs and West Ham for the signing.
To fund that move, forward Moise Kean may have to be sold. He’s had a good spell on loan with Paris Saint-Germain and is wanted by the French giants on a permanent basis.
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