Agent makes Everton transfer admission

The agent of Napoli striker Manolo Gabbiadini has lifted the lid on Everton’s failed attempts to land the Italian forward over the summer.

Vincenzo Morabito confirmed that the Toffees were in talks to sign Gabbiadini but also showed interest in Fiorentina’s Nikola Kalinic.

Both deals would ultimately collapse as Everton endured a frustrating end to the transfer window, with only Enner Valencia bolstering Ronald Koeman’s attacking options on deadline day.

Koeman was desperate to add a striker to his squad and after missing out on Lucas Perez to Arsenal he turned his attentions to Gabbiadini.

A fee in the region of £20m was reportedly agreed for the 24-year-old but with Napoli dragging their heels over finding a replacement, Everton pulled the plug on deadline day.

One of the players Napoli were rumoured to be eyeing up was Fiorentina forward Kalinic who, according to Morabito, was also a target of Everton.

Speaking to Italian radio, Morabito said:

“Initially, Everton showed interest in Fiorentina’s Kalinic but could not do the operation because of the will of (Fiorentina boss Paulo) Sousa who would not allow the player to leave.

“Then, Everton went on for Gabbiadini, with Napoli panicking to find a replacement. Napoli tried for Kalinic, and Everton offered an interesting figure for Kalinic.”

It is yet more evidence of Everton’s struggles in the transfer market over summer. It certainly seems the club has learnt some harsh lessons about how to approach big-money transfers, particularly involving foreign clubs.

Lets hope they don’t make the same mistakes when the window re-opens in January.