English Premier League side, Everton have got a thing for Italian players. Or, so it seems after the side’s board made obvious their keen interest in top Lazio marksman, Ciro Immobile.

Many years ago, it was an almost impossible task to try and lure an Italian out of his base but these days, it apparently is no longer a problem.

And it appears Everton’s Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti feels there might be a possibility of the 30-year-old moving to Merseyside. But that deal might be conditioned.

In 2019, Everton splashed about £24.5 million to bring in Moise Kean from Juventus to solve their apparent goalscoring issues. The deal was celebrated especially as young Kean, 19 at the time came with so much promise.

At his unveiling, the Italian got emotional and instantly won the hearts of the Everton faithful but the moment he got on the pitch, first under Portuguese Marco Silva and then fellow countryman, Ancelotti, sentiment was separated from business and, as the stats show, he has struggled for form.

One goal in 26 appearances for the Toffees has not helped his cause and it is looking increasingly likely that he might be shown the exit to make room for a new striker.

With 116 goals in 167 games for Lazio and a total outlay of 193 strikes in 367 club appearances plus a further 10 in 39 caps for the Azzurri, Carlo Ancelotti has clearly gone for clinical potency and experience in identifying Immobile as his top choice.

Immobile’s age – he is 30 – and the fact that previous stints outside the Serie A with Bundesliga giants, Borussia Dortmund and La Liga side Sevilla were not exactly successful, the move, should it happen, carries an element of risk.

But then again, which transfer is risk-free?

For a player who averages about a goal per game, the big question is will Ciro Immobile come good for the Toffees?

With a valuation of around £43.5 million, will Everton break the bank or keep faith with 20-year-old Kean?

Not so keen? Maybe yes. Maybe no.

Kayode Johnson writes from Lagos.