Everton or Saints should monitor Italian in last year of contract

There are numerous full-backs in world football who would seem far better suited to a change in formation, so that they could be employed as a wing-back.

Christian Maggio at Napoli is perhaps the best example, while Aston Villa’s Antonio Luna and even Tottenham’s Kyle Walker may benefit from being utilised in a 3-5-2, where their defensive positioning is not so important.

Another defender that appears to have relished a change to 3-5-2 this season is Torino’s Danilo D’Ambrosio, who has already scored twice in their opening four league games as the club have started promisingly, sitting eighth in the Serie A standings.

Some injury problems for Italy have led to suggestions that D’Ambrosio may receive a call-up to the Italian squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers away in Denmark and at home to Armenia, especially as their place in Brazil next year is already confirmed.

Meanwhile, the 25-year-old is also in the final year of his contract at Torino and there will be a host of clubs in Italy and abroad keeping tabs on his situation.

Sunderland have previously been linked with D’Ambrosio, but the sacking of Paolo Di Canio as manager may have put an end to that chase.

Therefore, it may be either Everton or Southampton that have the most to gain from signing the Italian, especially as their own first-choice left-backs appear to be consistently linked with Manchester United.

If there is any Premier League club that may adopt a 3-5-2 formation then it is likely to be Everton, with Roberto Martinez previously utilising this at Wigan.

It would be no surprise to see Man Utd return with another bid for Leighton Baines either in the January transfer window or next summer and if they offer enough, it may be too much for Martinez to refuse.

Southampton have already recruited Pablo Osvaldo from Serie A and following a productive summer window, they and Swansea arguably look the most likely to make the jump from mid-table to competing for a top-six spot.

Greater depth in the full-back areas does seem a logical move and given that D’Ambrosio can operate down either flank, he is certain to be a welcome addition.

Everton are 17/20 and Southampton 6/1 to finish top of the market without the big six in the Premier League this season.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

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