Everton look to Napoli forward to offer Lukaku support
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New Everton manager Ronald Koeman has already spent big twice this summer, but the Dutchman doesn’t look to be finished in the transfer market just yet, with Napoli forward Manolo Gabbiadini a new target.
The Toffees have already spent £12m on Ashley Williams from Swansea, plus £25m on Crystal Palace’s Yannick Bolasie.
With four points from their opening two games, Koeman has got the blue half of Merseyside off to a steady start, but it appears Goodison Park may yet see some new faces before the summer window closes.
Koeman’s latest positional concern looks to be up front, after Romelu Lukaku and Ross Barkley were the only players to score more than five Premier League goals last term.
Italian international Gabbiadini has been with Napoli since January 2015, but has failed to consistently secure a place in the starting XI in Naples.
The 24-year-old scored nine times from 30 appearances last term, and his preferred spot is out wide on the right.
That allows the former Atalanta man to cut in on his potent left foot, while his 6ft 1in frame will add an extra target for Aaron Lennon, Bolasie and co. at Goodison Park.
It’s believed Everton have already tabled a £25m for Gabbiadini, whose contract with Gli Azzurri runs until 2019.
The Toffees may not have it all their own way however, with West Brom courting the forward as a potential replacement for Saido Berahino.
Koeman will be hoping to maintain the strong start to his Everton reign when Stoke visit the blue side of Stanley Park this weekend.
The bookies make Everton 7/10 favourites to beat Mark Hughes’ side, with the ex-Toffee 4/1 to inflict the first defeat of the season upon his old team.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
