Everton are set to go head-to-head with Italian giants AC Milan in order to sign Real Betis defender Emerson.
The Brazilian full-back, who can operate on either flank, is on loan at the Seville side from fellow La Liga outfit Barcelona. Despite reports denying the link based on a sense of tactical disruption ahead of a match between Betis and Barcelona, the Toffees’ interest is said to be genuine.
According to Spanish outlet Todofichajes via Sempremilan, Milan remain interested in securing the services of the 21-year-old, having been repeatedly linked over the course of the summer transfer window. He ultimately remained in La Liga, but interest from other parties remains strong.
Despite the Brazilian being under contract at Barcelona until 2024, Ancelotti is reportedly keen to bolster his right-sided defensive options, with 32-year-old Seamus Coleman and academy product Jonjoe Kenny as his only natural right-backs.
Todofichajes claimed that Barcelona would be keen to accept €20m (£17.9m) for the player, though any fee for a January sale would need to come closer to €30m (£26.85m). This is due to the fact that a compensatory lump sum of €9m (£8.06m) would be owed to Betis if Emerson’s loan were to be cancelled prematurely.
Read Everton Verdict
A move for Emerson does make sense from an Evertonian perspective. Given Coleman’s age and the lack of regular minutes that Kenny sees for the Blues, the right-back position is certainly an area that Everton’s recruitment team may well be looking to enhance.
The complexities mean that a deal for Emerson won’t come cheaply, though, and the Toffees may well be better off waiting for the summer to strike a deal.
