Italian defender could yet leave Sardinia ahead of deadline.
Everton are reportedly set to battle AC Milan for the signing of Cagliari defender Davide Astori ahead of the transfer deadline.
The 26-year-old has been called up by Cesare Prandelli for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, but his club future remains the hottest topic with speculation of an imminent move.
Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri dropped a hint of a move as he spoke to reporters following his side’s 3-1 win over Cagliari on Sunday night, with Astori dropped to the bench for the second consecutive weekend.
“I think Davide is one of the best Italian defenders in circulation,” he told reporters as quoted by Goal.com.
“We have good defenders and I am happy with what we’ve got but Astori would be useful for many clubs, so we will see what happens.”
Both Roma and Napoli have also been credited with an interest this summer, but it appears that the Rossoneri’s most likely competition is set to come from England according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.
The Toffees are hoping to strengthen their defence ahead of the deadline, but their ability to bring in new faces reportedly depends on whether or not either Marouane Felliani or Leighton Baines leave to join Manchester United.
It is understood that Cagliari are looking for a fee in the region of €8m from Milan as part of a co-ownership deal, but they would ideally like to avoid selling to another Serie A club thus opening the door for Everton to make their move.
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