Report: Everton battling Antonio Conte to sign Roma defender

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Italian newspaper Leggo have claimed that Everton are battling Inter Milan to sign Roma defender Gianluca Mancini, as Carlo Ancelotti looks to bring in more competition at the heart of his defence.

Mancini, 24, has been excellent for Roma this season – clocking up 20 appearances in all competitions, helping Roma keep five clean sheets and the four-time Italy international has even scored three goals, even netting against Conte’s Inter.

The defender – who joined Roma for £22.5million (ChiesaDitotti) – has shown he can play in either a back four, or a three-man defence which will suit Everton who have used both systems this season. He has a contract until the summer of 2024.

The report claims Ancelotti wants him at Everton to rival the likes of Michael Keane, Yerry Mina, Mason Holgate and Ben Godfrey. Mancini would certainly be a contender to start, if brought to Merseyside – but Inter are also keen.

TBR’s view – Everton do need another option at centre-back

While Keane has been good this season, Mina has been in and out of form. Godfrey is being used as a player to cover right-back and left-back, as well as in the middle – while Holgate has featured on the right of the defence of late.

Bringing in another centre-back makes sense especially if Ancelotti wants to use a three-man defence going forward – a system which would surely suit Everton given Lucas Digne would have license to get forward and Alex Iwobi can operate as a wingback.

Mancini makes sense, but it depends how much Roma want for his signature.