Juventus manager Maurizio Sarri confirmed after his side's win against Roma on Sunday that reported Everton target Merih Demiral had suffered a potentially serious injury.

What's the word, then?

Well, a report in The Telegraph earlier this month said that the 21-year-old was high on Carlo Ancelotti's transfer wish-list at Goodison Park, with The Mirror saying it could take a bid of £35m to prise him away from the Turin giants.

The centre-back actually gave Juve the lead in their 2-1 victory in the Italian capital at the weekend, before he was taken off and replaced by Matthijs de Ligt before the 20-minute mark having landed awkwardly when trying to win a header.

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As reported by Football Italia, Sarri said post-match: "Demiral has a sprain and we won’t know any more until tomorrow morning.

"However, the sensation we have is that it might be a serious injury."

Blow for Carlo

It remains to be seen how much business Everton end up doing this month, but you would have to feel that the centre-back position would be one of Ancelotti's priorities in terms of strengthening.

The 60-year-old only has Michael Keane, Yerry Mina and Mason Holgate available to him as senior central defensive options right now, and he would be left extremely short should one of those get injured or suspended.

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The experienced Italian said after the win against Brighton that Mina was rested and Keane brought into the starting XI as part of a rotation plan, suggesting he already has concerns about that position for the rest of the campaign.

A move for Demiral had actually seemed a little more unrealistic in recent weeks with him starting six successive matches in all competitions having only made one appearance in 2019/20 before December.

This potential injury could end any chances Everton have of getting the Turkey international this month, meaning they may have to turn their attentions elsewhere if he was their top centre-back target.

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