Italian paper claims Rome raid for Everton defender

It’s been a tough year for Everton in the center of defense. Ashley Williams has proven that his age is a number, and the Welshman can no longer be trusted. Phil Jagielka remains timeless, but Michael Keane has been inconsistent after signing for big money from Burnley. Mason Holgate proved to have some potential, but recently had ankle surgery.

On top of all that, Ramiro Funes Mori returned from a serious knee injury...and it seems he’s immediately wanted by another club.

According to SportMediaset (prepare the grain of salt), Serie A side Lazio are interested in the Argentinian to help cope with the impending loss of Dutchman Stefan De Vrij.

Lazio is taking the first contacts for Ramiro Funes Mori. Everton defender is one of the post-de Vrij candidates.

Ramiro recently made his first post-surgery appearance, and could be working his way back into the good graces of one Sam Allardyce. Given the temerity and tenuousness of the Blues’ back line, it would be a serious surprise if any defender bar Cuco Martina was allowed to depart in the summer.

Photo by Tony Marshall/Getty Images

Hopefully, Ramiro Funes Mori sneaks into Jorge Sampaoli’s Argentina team for the upcoming World Cup, and returns to Finch Farm this summer a new man and ready to take part in a much improved defense. Even if he doesn’t, it would be very surprising if the Toffees let him walk.