Everton in line to land Italy’s secret weapon for World Cup

Everton’s ambition of securing a top four finish this term could provide the Toffees with the financial impetus to move for Italian football’s hottest young striker: Ciro Immobile.

The Merseyside club are in action away at Sunderland this weekend and can be backed at 5/6 to secure another precious three points that would move them one step closer to securing Champions League qualification.

But if the Blues do manage to secure a seat at the top table of European football from next season then striking reinforcements may well be required, with the team currently reliant on the on-loan duo of Romelu Lukaku and Lacina Traore for goals.

One man who certainly fits the bill in that respect is Immobile, a goalscorer currently leading the line for Torino and enjoying a season to remember in Serie A.

The 25-year-old, who is a Juventus academy graduate, first caught the attention of Genoa back in 2012 following an impressive spell with Pescara in Serie B where he notched up 28 goals in 37 games.

He failed to hit the same heights at Genoa though, scoring just five goals in 34 appearances before a co-ownership deal between Juve and cross-town rivals Torino saw the forward move to the latter.

Immobile hasn’t looked back since then, scoring 18 goals in just 28 games for the unfashionable club who have climbed to a commendable 10^th, with the forward top of the Serie A scoring charts alongside former Manchester City man Carlos Tevez.

His form has even caught the eye of Azzurri boss Cesare Prandelli, with the striker earning a first cap in a recent friendly against Spain.

Italy are 22/1 to win the World Cup in Brazil , but if Everton are keen on landing the forward, a bid before the competition is advised, with any impressive showings in Brazil likely to bump up the transfer fee.

But with any potential move for the forward hinging on Champions League success and Everton 8/5 to finish in the top four, it looks like this could be a case of watch this space.

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

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