Allan is one of Napoli's key players (Getty Images)
According to Italian journalist Ciro Venerato (h/t Daily Express), Everton have been linked with a summer move for Napoli midfielder Allan.
The 29-year-old has been a key part of Napoli’s midfield since his move from Udinese back in 2015. However, the Brazilian has fallen out of favour under current boss Gennaro Gattuso this season, featuring just 16 times for them in the league.
Having moved to Napoli five years ago, Allan has made a total of 204 appearances across all competitions for the Serie A side, proving his worth within the squad. He has scored 10 goals and provided 16 assists in the process and was also a favourite under now Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti during his time at Napoli.
With 255 Serie A appearances under his belt, Allan is nothing short of experience. The report also claims that Napoli are willing to listen to offers of around £35million, with plans already set in place to replace the midfielder.
The Toffees are lying a lowly 12th in the league currently, having won just 10 of their overall 29 league games. Inconsistency and a struggling defence have been the major reasons for the side’s slip in rankings and Ancelotti would be aware that he needs to bring in new faces to do well next season.
Everton had also faced a major setback midway through the season after losing their summer signing and former Barcelona midfielder Andre Gomes to an ankle injury back in November.
This had seen the Toffees rely on young Tom Davies and out of form veterans Morgan Schneiderlin and Fabian Delph. Though this has been a breakthrough season for the 21-year-old Davies, who has made 21 league appearances, he still has a lot to improve.
Schneiderlin and Delph, on the other hand, have made just 15 and 16 appearances respectively in the league. This gives an indication that they are clearly not up the pecking order at Goodison Park.
Everton could really do with an experienced and consistent midfielder in their ranks and Brazilian Allan fits the bill perfectly. Equally capable of playing in a more defensive role, Allan’s versatility could also be an added benefit for Everton if they succeed in bringing him to Goodison Park.
Despite being well-stacked in the middle, Everton have struggled throughout this season. Allan has been a consistent player for Napoli over the years and would be a great option to help Everton. Having played for Ancelotti before, it shouldn’t take him much time to adjust to the new surroundings at Everton. Hence, the struggling Toffees should quickly make a move for the experienced Allan.
