According to CalcioMercato, Fiorentina striker and Everton target Nikola Kalinic has been stripped of his squad number as the Serie A club prepare for life without the Croatian.
The 29-year-old had donned the number 9 Jersey since arriving La Viola 2 summers ago, but he has now been assigned the number 99 as Giovanni Simeone gets Kalinic’s old number.
This hints at the fact that Fiorentina are resolved to losing their star striker, presenting Everton the chance to swoop.
AC Milan are indeed favorites to secure the services of Kalinic as they have already agreed personal terms with the player.
Reportedly, the San Siro outfit have agreed to meet the striker’s £23million asking price by taking him on loan for £3million and activating a £20million permanent buy clause.
The differences in agreement between both clubs have now seen talks stall.
If Everton are keen to take advantage of the breakdown in negotiations and offer to meet Kalinic’s buyout price in full remains to be seen.
Kalinic has 27 Serie A goals in 68 games for Fiorentina, and despite his age, he has proven to be a constant threat to opposition defenders.
The late bloomer will definitely add more firing power to Everton’s attack if signed, with his aerial prowess and finishing abilities well-suited to the club’s style of play.
The former Blackburn Rovers striker would be a perfect signing if he’s snapped up, but the Toffees have a slim chance of doing so.
