Marco Silva can find his perfect Kurt Zouma replacement in Gianluca Mancini

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According to The Daily Mirror, Everton have been watching Gianluca Mancini and are pondering a bid.

Everton could swoop for Mancini in the summer transfer window with the youngster yet to decide on his future.

This would be a perfect move for the Toffees, who do not need a new centre-back imminently but could benefit from signing one next summer.

Kurt Zouma is on loan from Chelsea this season, providing a short-term solution in central defence.

But when his loan ends and Phil Jagielka’s contract expires, Everton will need a new centre-half to take over.

Michael Keane and Yerry Mina are likely to start next season as the first-choice pairing so Marco Silva needs to target a young, hungry defender who will be pushing for starts.

This is why Mancini fits the bill perfectly; he can deputise initially but will be eyeing a first-team promotion quickly.

The 22-year-old is a regular for Atalanta, who play in Serie A and the Europa League.

In 14 league games this season, Mancini has made 18 tackles, 17 interceptions, 11 blocks and 36 clearances, according to Who Scored.

Standing at 6ft 3in tall, he is also dominant in the air. Who Scored records the towering centre-back as having won 34 aerial duels this season.

This is a shrewd long-term plan for Everton and bringing him in this summer provides them with an ideal Zouma replacement.