Verona director suggests club record fee needed for reported Tottenham and Everton target Marash Kumbulla

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Marash Kumbulla, a reported transfer target for the likes of Tottenham and Everton, is worth more than the previously quoted €25 million, according to his current club’s director Tony D’Amico. 

A recent report from Nicolo Schira suggested that both Spurs and Everton were continuing to look at the Albanian defender, but that Inter Milan are still leading the way for the player. 

Previous reports have suggested several different price-tags for the player, who was compared to Italy and Juventus legend Giorgio Chiellini by Italian international Federico Balzaretti in conversation with Goal last month. 

But, the Verona director has made it clear to Sky Sports Italia that Kumbulla will not come cheap this summer. He suggests a price-tag in advance of the previously suggested £22.4 million. 

“Many want him. The difficulties in the absolute evaluation of the players will have them all, from the smallest team to the top European clubs, because this situation is involving everyone. But it is clear that a team like Verona cannot afford to hesitate before certain offers. 

“The most expensive sale in the Gialloblù history is that of (Juan) Iturbe, which in 2014 passed to Roma for €24.5 million. 

“If we will overcome it with Kumbulla? 25 million is a little less than what we believe is the value of the player.”

Everton have been linked with a move for the player for a number of months. Carlo Ancelotti wants defensive reinforcements at Goodison Park. 

Tottenham, meanwhile, need a replacement for Jan Vertonghen, whose contract in North London is coming to an end.

But what now appears clear is that both Tottenham and Everton will not be able to get the player cheap, as Verona look set to dig their heels in and get a fair rate for the defensive talent.