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Mino Raiola is aware of interest from Everton in his client Stefan De Vrij, who could be leaving Inter Milan, according to reports.

De Vrij was one of the cornerstones of Inter’s march to the Serie A title last season, ending Juventus’ dominant spell. However, they may struggle to sustain their success to the extent their rivals did. Inter find themselves in severe financial difficulties and have already had to sell flying wing-back Achraf Hakimi to Paris Saint-Germain.

There may yet be another casualty of their Scudetto-winning side as they seek to balance the books. Perhaps their most valuable remaining asset would be Romelu Lukaku, but the former Chelsea, Everton and Manchester United striker remains keen to stay in Milan. Likewise, Inter understandably do not want rid of their top scorer from the last two seasons.

Therefore, they are more likely to offload one of their defenders. Milan Skriniar has already been linked with a Premier League move, but equally seems intent on remaining where he is. Thus, De Vrij may have to make way.

The Dutch centre-back has impressed since making the move to Inter from Lazio in 2018. He has gone on to feature on more than 100 occasions and was a lynchpin in Antonio Conte’s back three.

Conte may have departed, but his successor Simone Inzaghi will likely use a similar system. What’s more, he worked with De Vrij before at Lazio. Even so, the 29-year-old may be sacrificed.

In the process, he could end up in the Premier League. According to Tuttosport, Everton have registered an interest in De Vrij with his agent Raiola.

Rafael Benitez has replaced Carlo Ancelotti as their head coach ahead of the forthcoming season. Having assessed his new squad, the Spanish tactician has decided he wants another centre-back.

There were ambitious links with Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly, while there has also been talk of a return for Kurt Zouma, who previously spent a season on loan at Goodison Park from Chelsea.

But Tuttosport place De Vrij on their shortlist as well, even if their interest is in its early stages.

Raiola is seeking to send De Vrij to the Premier League, where Liverpool and Tottenham have also been linked. However, Spurs seem to be focusing on other targets now – including Zouma – whereas Liverpool have already signed another defender in Ibrahima Konate and may not need another.

Thus, Everton could be the likeliest path for De Vrij to go down if he is to move to the Premier League. But he will not come cheap; Inter are holding out for £50m.

Such a sale would be extremely beneficial for their finances. They originally signed De Vrij on a free transfer, so could make a massive profit – described as “mind-boggling” by Calciomercato.

The former Feyenoord man has two years left on his contract, so now may be the optimum time for him to move, even if Inter would rather keep him.

Should Everton – or anyone else – stump up a big offer, though, they will take it into consideration.

Everton have made Lenglet approach

Another centre-back on Everton’s radar is Clement Lenglet of Barcelona.

He made 48 appearances in all competitions for Barca last season, but they may have to sell him to reduce the wage bill.

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According to Diario Sport, Everton and West Ham have made an approach. They are both eyeing a deal on the same terms – a loan with an option to buy.

Barcelona will be listening to all offers for their players, including the 26-year-old. He is not the first name on their list of players to get rid of, but they may have to consider their options. He has a €25m valuation.

Therefore, Everton and West Ham will be keeping tabs on the situation.

READ MORE: ‘Nobody can argue’ – Benitez defiant over wantaway Everton forward’s struggles

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