Everton transfer news: Uncertainty surrounds Toffees’ move for Vecino

Another day, another flurry of Matias Vecino rumours from the Italian press.

We are likely to see plenty more reports before Friday’s deadline, but the general theme seems to be one of impasse.

Calcio Mercato reported late on Monday night that Inter Milan were actively looking to move Vecino on and had contacted Everton again over a possible transfer. The Nerazzurri valued the Uruguayan at around €25 million, though there is some scope for negotiation.

However, on Tuesday Gianluca Di Marzo reported that Vecino remaining at Inter is now the most likely outcome as they have yet to receive an acceptable offer. The club will instead monitor his progress throughout the second half of the season.

The 28-year-old has been included in the squad for Wednesday’s Coppa Italia clash with Fiorentina, further reducing the chances of a late move.

Later on Tuesday, another Italian journalist, Alfredo Pedulla, tweeted that Everton will not increase their offer for Vecino, so the deal will not now go ahead.

There has been plenty of skepticism over the reporting of this rumour, but Everton naming a price they are prepared to pay and sticking to it is something I believe.

The Toffees’ recent financial results showed that there is very little room for manoeuvre on the transfer front as they continue to count the cost of the excesses in 2017-18.

Then there are the words of Carlo Ancelotti, who has repeatedly said that all the names in the media linked with the club are wrong.

With Everton out of both cups and unlikely to bother either end of the league, the prospect of keeping our powder dry until the summer looks more and more logical, particularly as the likes of Oumar Niasse and Cuca Martina still remain on the wage bill.

I cannot say I would be particularly thrilled at the prospect of Everton seeing out the season with their current (fit) midfield. But if the deal isn’t right, I think the club is right to play the long game on this one.