Everton have reportedly initiated contact with Juventus over wantaway midfielder Aaron Ramsey ahead of the upcoming January transfer window.

What's the story?

According to Italian outlet CalcioMercato, Rafa Benitez's charges have begun negotiations with the 30-year-old's advisors ahead of a potential move, with Juve keen to get the player off their books.

The report states that: "The Toffees have initiated the first contact with the player's entourage, and there is room for reaching the finish line. The Juventus club crosses its fingers and is willing to let him start at zero in the winter transfer market, cancelling his contract and therefore giving up monetizing."

Everton could finally replace James Rodriguez

After James Rodriguez's September switch to Qatari outfit Al-Rayyan, Everton have been left with a creative void in the middle of the park.

While the likes of Allan and Abdoulaye Doucoure offer running power, pace and stability, they arguably lack the imagination and guile to carve elite-level defences open on a regular basis, something Ramsey is more than capable of doing.

Throughout his 11-year stint with Arsenal, the Wales international scored 65 goals and laid on a further 65 assists in 371 appearances, winning three FA Cups along the way.

Martin Keown labelled him a "real leader" and an "outstanding technician" following a typically classy display in Europe back in 2019, but Ramsey has found life slightly tougher since departing north London later that year.

Despite being in Turin for two-and-half years now, the £9m-rated maestro has only started 25 Serie A games for the Old Lady, highlighting his peripheral role within the first-team squad.

However, Ramsey has continued to perform at an exceptional level for his nation throughout and was instrumental in Wales’ run to the semi-finals of Euro 2016.

His eye-catching performances saw teammate Joe Allen dub him “world-class” after a stellar showing against Turkey in a crucial 2-0 victory at the European Championship this year, and moving to Everton could prove to be the catalyst he needs to get his career back on track.

And, in other news...Everton could discover their new Rooney by signing "first-class" 20 y/o with "no fear"