Everton target Gianluca Mancini watched on as Everton lost 5-1 last season

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Everton are said to be keeping tabs on Atalanta defender Gianluca Mancini. The Mirror reports that the Italian under-21 international is being sought as a potential defensive reinforcement in the summer, as Everton continue to struggle at the back this term.

Mancini has been superb for the Bergamo club this season. Not only has he been a rock at the back, but he has even scored four goals for the club, including a spell of three in three games.

It would be a remarkable move for the player that would signify his rise over the past 18 months.

Everton faced Atalanta in the Europa League last season. After entering the competition as one of the sides considered as potential winners, the Toffees struggled in Europe. Not least, against the Italian side. They were comfortably beaten 3-0 in Italy before receiving a 5-1 thrashing at Goodison Park in, perhaps, the low point of the 2017-18 season.

Mancini did not play in either game. He was not included in the squad for the September home win and watched from the bench as his team-mates put Everton to the sword in November 2017.

Now, just over a year later, he is being linked with a potential move to Everton and, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport, is valued at €25 million (£22.4 million). An impressive rise from a player who would be an exciting recruit from Everton.