Everton pursuing Juventus goalie

While Everton manager Ronald Koeman has made it clear that current starting goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg is the man, it’s well known that the club are looking for a goalie for the future.

Now it sounds like Juventus’ backup netminder Norberto Murara Neto (known as just Neto) could be one of the options the Toffees are considering in January. The Brazilian hasn’t played much behind Gianluigi Buffon, and his agent Stefano Castagna says he could be looking for a new spot for his client.

“This isn’t what was agreed. When Neto chose to come to Turin and join Juve he was given a clearly-defined path of growth. If that’s really what they’re thinking then we’ll find a solution.

“Neto already asked this summer to go out [on loan] and play, but the club asked him to stay on as the vice-Buffon.

“He has put himself at the service of the club, but given his objectives with the Brazilian national team too, I think everything is there to consider somewhere for him as soon as January.

“Juve can’t play around with the career of such a strong player who is wanted across Europe. The lad is already a number 1, and wants to be so for his entire career.”

The 27-year-old had made 72 appearances for Fiorentina previous to being signed by the Bianconeri, and played his football for Atletico Paranaense in Brazil before that.

Italian club Lazio are reported to be offering €7-8m plus veteran Federico Marchetti for Neto, but the Biancocelesti will face competition from Everton who have asked about the player in previous transfer windows as well.

Stekelenburg has come in for criticism in recent weeks, having conceded some howlers and generally looking very slow on his feet. Having been recalled to the Dutch national team after the injury to Jasper Cillesen, he looked comfortable during Holland’s 4-1 win against Belarus. However, in the 1-0 loss to France, he conceded what looked like a very save-able speculative shot from Paul Pogba - you be the judge.

Against Crystal Palace, he was rooted to the spot as Christian Benteke’s pinpoint header found the mark.

Just minutes later, Stekelenburg was bailed out by the assistant referee’s flag as Damien Delaney’s header flew by him with his legs not moving once again. As Palace continued their aerial bombardment, he withdrew further into his shell, failing to take command of his area.

Against Middlesbrough earlier than that, he can consider himself unlucky that the referee let this goal stand, but his technique looked weak when challenging Alvaro Negredo for the ball.

The January transfer window is still a couple of months away though, so we’ll take all transfer rumours with the proverbial pinch of salt.