Everton reportedly close to first summer signing

Everton fans have been (justifiably) jonesing for a signing - any signing - this summer, but likely because of the World Cup, things have been moving very slowly on the transfer front. At this point, we’d probably even take a third string goalkeeper.

The wait might be almost over, though, according to reports coming out of Italy. Per FootballItalia, the Blues are quite close to signing AC Milan midfielder Andrea Bertolacci.

Everton are very close to signing Milan midfielder Andrea Bertolacci for €6m after his loan spell at Genoa. According to Tuttomercatoweb, negotiations have stepped up considerably today. An agreement is imminent for €6m, while the player would sign a five-year contract worth €2m per season plus bonuses.

The rumored fee above is a reasonable one for a player who not long ago was considered one of the jewels of Roma’s academy after making a big money move to Milan. Bertolacci has since fallen on some hard times, bouncing back and forth from the San Siro on loan after loan, but there should still be some talent there that Marco Silva could unlock.

The 27 year old only registered 1 goal and 1 assist for Genoa this season, but has 21 goals and 20 assists on 200 total Serie A appearances.

If purchased, he would potentially be used to provide a more progressive presence in the no. 8 role, which could allow Idrissa Gueye to drop deeper or get more rest. His radar graphic from the 2015 season indicates as much.

via @FussballRadars

It’s not a glamorous signing, but under Silva, it could be a savvy one. In Marcel we trust, for now.