Talks on Tuesday: Everton intensify striker pursuit and ready to meet £21.5m asking price - report

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Published on:

23 Aug 2016, 11:26 am

By Alex Stevens

Everton intensified their pursuit of Napoli striker Manolo Gabbiadini on Tuesday, according to a report.

Sport Italia television expert Ifredo Pedulla claimed on his website that talks between the two clubs took place in the last few hours about striking a deal.

It is said that Everton are willing to meet Napoli's £21.5million asking price to land the Italy international.

Pedulla, who has 151,000 Twitter followers and a massive Facebook following, claims the Serie A club could be willing to cash in on the front man.

This comes amid interest in Gabbiadini from rival Premier League club West Ham.

Italian publication Calcio Mercato claim that the Hammers had matched Everton's initial offer of £19.8million plus add-ons for the Napoli forward.

It now appears the two Premier League clubs have tabled new bids for the Gabbiadini, 24, and it is said that the player is considering whether to make a move to the English top flight.

West Ham manager Slaven Bilic is desperate to bring in a new striker after injuries to new signing Andre Ayew and attacking spearhead Andy Carroll have left them light in the attacking third.

Everton are also keen to bring in Gabbiadini, as Ronald Koeman looks to give main man Romelu Lukaku some competition.

Gabbiadini has scored 20 goals in 61 appearances for Napoli since his move in January 2015, including four goals in just six Europa League matches last season.

The striker, who graduated through Atlanta’s youth academy, has also scored one goal in his six appearances for the Italy national team, which came through a strike against Romania in 2015.

In other Everton transfer news, the club have set their sights on a Ligue 1 international.

Everton FC

Napoli

Manolo Gabbiadini