Everton could be in the frame for a surprise move to sign Paris Saint-Germain defender Milan Skriniar, according to Calcio Mercato.
The Italian outlet reported via their website on 23 August that the Slovakian international has been dropped by the French giants in a “sensational” decision by manager Luis Enrique.
He therefore “automatically” becomes a transfer possibility for the final days of the window, with Juventus interested in the former Inter star, but his €10million [£8.48m, £163,000-a-week] contract is a stumbling block for suitors.
Premier League and Serie A clubs are said to be confident that a loan-to-buy is available though, with Everton named alongside Brighton, Juve and Roma as the clubs who could come forward for a late deal.
Everton surely cannot afford PSG star
The Toffees are thought to potentially be capable of making a couple more late signings before the deadline [Alan Myers, 23 August].
Uncertainty around all three senior strikers means that situation could change further, with Armando Broja seemingly back on the table as his move from Chelsea to Ipswich is now at risk of collapse [Jacob Steinberg, 24 August].
But either way it seems highly unlikely that Everton are going to be in a position to afford a big-money PSG man on six-figures per week even if he is unwanted at the Parc des Princes.
Sky Sports Germany’s Florian Plettenberg reported on 22 August that the Toffees are also looking to do a deal for midfielder Carlos Soler from the Ligue 1 giants.
But unless something changes drastically it is difficult to see where the money to fund either deal would come from, especially when both players have other interest.
The last time Everton signed a PSG player was to bring a 32-year-old Idrissa Gueye back to the club for around £2m [BBC Sport] and even that deal was tough enough to get over the line.
Skriniar would be a great deal for Everton on paper, but after signing Jake O’Brien at centre-back it is surely only a possibility if star man Jarrad Branthwaite was sold.
