Everton have joined the growing list of clubs interested in Atalanta’s star defender Gianluca Mancini, per the Mirror.

What’s the word?

The Mirror reported on Saturday that the Toffees had joined Italian giants Inter Milan and Roma in harbouring an interest in Mancini’s signature.

All three clubs are said to be attracted to the 22-year-old’s services, who still has four years remaining on his current contract at the Bergamo-based outfit, but the Italian side wish to extend his deal.

However, the 6 foot 3 centre-back will consider where his future lies come the summer, which will allow Everton’s scouting department to continue monitoring his formidable progress.

At present, TransferMarkt value the Fiorentina youth product at £9million, a drastic increase from the start of the season when Mancini was considered a £1.8million talent.

Part of the reason behind his considerable rise is his growing importance to Gian Piero Gasperini’s side. So far in Serie A this term, the Italy Under 21 international has recorded 14 appearances and scored four times.

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Zouma’s eventual replacement

Given Mancini will not consider his future until the summer, his potential arrival on Merseyside would not be to forge an immediate partnership with either Michael Keane or summer-signing Yerry Mina, but would likely be the eventual successor to Chelsea-loanee Kurt Zouma.

The Frenchman proved a pivotal figure during the early days of Marco Silva’s reign in charge – thanks to Mina’s injury – and has continued to be a predominant figure in his backline.

Altogether, the 24-year-old has 20 Everton appearances to his name in all competitions, but there are no guarantees his future lies outside Stamford Bridge – TransferMarkt note his Chelsea contract runs until 2023.

If Mancini is to be targeted in the summer, providing Atalanta cannot persuade their talent to sign a new deal, the Italian youth international would slot immediately into the void left by Chelsea’s £18million rated defender.

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