Sources: Napoli plot raid for Everton star as Koulibaly part-exchange on the cards

Sources: Napoli plot raid for Everton star as Koulibaly part-exchange on the cards

Wayne Veysey

Founder & Managing Director AUTHORITY Former chief correspondent at Evening Standard, Goal and Press Association with nearly three decades in national, regional and digital news and sports journalism. Wayne directs the network’s news strategy and high-level operations. FOCUS Editorial direction for the 11-site network and newsroom management. THE BRIEF Wayne oversees the network’s editorial standards across the network. He provides the final sign-off on all headline scoops, ensuring content across all platforms meets the standards required for a high-velocity newsroom.

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Napoli are keen on Yerry Mina and he could be offered in part-exchange for Everton top target Kalidou Koulibaly, Football Insider can reveal.

The Colombia international's future at the Premier League club is in doubt as Carlo Ancelotti looks to recruit an elite centre-back.

Football Insider revealed last week that Spanish outfit Valencia are interested in Mina, 26, and now a recruitment source has said Serie A big guns Napoli are also in the race.

That could prove useful leverage for Everton as they will need to offload some first-team stars to pave the way for some top signings this summer.

The Merseysiders are aware the Senegal international will have to move this summer if Napoli are to secure a £50million-plus fee.

He turns 30 in June and his potential sale value will then plummet.

Mina has been a regular for Everton and started his 21st Premier League match of the season in last night's 0-0 draw against Brighton.

Ancelotti once again deployed a three-man defence, with Mina flanked by Ben Godfrey and Michael Keane before he was forced off after 58 minutes due to injury.

He has had a mixed three years at Everton since signing from Barcelona for a fee of around £27m in 2018.

Ancelotti admires Mina's physicality but privately believes he is too erratic and error-prone for a top-tier side.

Of Everton's four senior centre-backs, each of Keane, Godfrey, Mina and Mason Holgate have started at least 18 Premier League matches this season.

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