Report: £53k-a-week Everton man’s agent met with interested club, Toffees want at least £25m

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Everton striker Moise Kean could potentially be on his way back to Italian football in the summer after a difficult first season with the Toffees, according to a report in Calciomercato.

Kean joined Everton in August from Juventus for an initial fee of £25.1million that could rise to £27.5million, according to BBC Sport, and his arrival was met with much fanfare at Goodison Park given his talent and potential.

The 20-year-old had a difficult start to life at Everton, with former head coach Marco Silva seldom utilising him and interim boss Duncan Ferguson introducing him as a substitute at Manchester United in the 70th minute, only to replace him with Oumar Niasse 18 minutes later.

While Kean has finally got off the mark under Carlo Ancelotti, netting against Newcastle in the Premier League in January, he has nonetheless been given little game time prior to the football suspension, and to date still has just five top-flight starts all season.

Calciomercato claims that Mino Raiola, the Italy Under-21 prodigy’s agent, began looking for a new club for his client in January, and actually met with Roma, who are interested in a back-up option for Edin Dzeko.

The report adds that Kean fits the bill for the Giallorossi as he’s young, has a good rapport with fellow Italy youngster Nicolo Zaniolo, and his salary is manageable (€3million a season, or around £53,000 a week, according to Spotrac).

The one sticking point is regarding the terms of the transfer, with Everton reportedly wanting €28million (around £25million) for the player – essentially a full return on their investment – while Roma are considering a loan with a buy option or obligation to buy included.

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It’s not been a particularly easy season for Kean, who arrived at Everton with a lot of expectation and pressure, and there was always going to be a period of acclimatisation, given the player’s young age, first time working and living outside his home country, and getting used to a new style of football.

On top of that, Everton have had their own issues, namely with the team struggling badly in Silva’s last months at the club, culminating in managerial change – but with Ancelotti now at the helm, one would think he’s the absolute best option to work with his compatriot.

That said, if Kean has made his mind up about a return to Italy, then Everton will have to simply look to get the most out of negotiations for a player who is a great asset with lots of potential.