Everton target Luis Alberto makes his Lazio desire clear

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Everton’s hopes of signing Luis Alberto from Lazio this summer appear to be dead in the water, as the Spaniard looks set to sign a new contract at the Stadio Olimpico. 

Speaking in an interview on Instagram, as reported by Gazzetta dello Sport, Alberto made it clear his wish was to remain with Lazio and sign a new contract. 

“I have always said that Sevilla is my home and that I would like to return but now my future is with the Albiceleste. 

“We are well underway for the renewal, I believe it will come soon. Coming to Lazio was the best decision I could make in my life.”

The news might not come as a surprise to any Everton fans following the club’s interest in the Serie A assist-king. 

After the original report from Corriere della Sera suggested Carlo Ancelotti wanted Alberto at Goodison Park, it soon emerged that Lazio were planning a new deal for the former Liverpool talent.

Corriere dello Sport reported that Alberto’s agent Miguel Alfaro was present at the Stadio Olimpico in February to make contact over a new deal. 

Lazio were reportedly set to offer Alberto a contract lasting until 2025, valued at around £60,000-a-week. Il Messaggero then reported that Lazio’s new contract was being processed and would include a release clause of €100 million (£88m).

That would likely move Alberto, who has 14 assists for Lazio this season, out of Everton’s price-range. 

It also sounds as if Alberto has no desire to leave the Italian capital anytime soon, leaving Everton unlikely to convince him into a Merseyside switch. 

It looks like Alberto might be scratched off Everton’s shopping list.