Liverpool and Everton are set for their first clash of the season over Belgian midfielder Axel Witsel, 25.
Everton have agreed a £32m deal with Zenit St Petersburg for the player but Liverpool, smarting from their failure to land Grzegorz Krychowiak, 26, are determined to land a defensive midfielder this summer. The Pole has opted to join Paris St Germain, reuniting with his former Sevilla manager, Unai Emery in the French capital.
To complicate the Toffees plans further, Witsel has emerged as Manchester United’s back-up plan if they fail to land Paul Pogba, 23, from Juventus. United are in a strong negotiating position with new Everton boss, Ronald Koeman, keen to land Morgan Schneiderlin, 26. His move to Merseyside might be smoother if the Blues drop out of the race to sign Witsel.
The player’s father though, is keen for him to move to Goodison Park, believing that Witsel will command an undisputed first-team spot. Napoli are also talking to the Russian club about a potential move, making the midfielder one of the summer’s most sought-after players.
With Belgium out of Euro 2016 following their shock 1 – 3 defeat to Wales in Friday night’s quarter-final, the move is expected to be completed swiftly, ready for the Belgian international to join pre-season training.
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