Transfer Rumors: Juventus Sets Hefty Asking Price For Turkish Defender As Two EPL Clubs Lurk

Everton is looking for an upgrade this summer at the center-back position, and they have since identified Juventus center-back Merih Demiral as a potential summer signing.

Calciomercato reports that Everton is joined by the Tottenham Hotspurs in their hopes of appeasing Harry Kane and strengthening their chances at winning silverware by pursuing Demiral.

Juventus signed Demiral from Sassuolo in 2019 with an €18 million ($21 million) transfer fee, but the 23-year-old has struggled to find his place on the team and in the starting unit.

Demiral only appeared in 32 matches with Juventus, scoring one goal and two assists.

Rumors came about that the returning head coach Massimiliano Allegri wants to sell the player this transfer window in the hopes of freeing up space and at least gaining some of their initial investment back.

In those hopes, the club has set a €40 million ($47 million) asking price for the Turkish defender.

Juventus is still in the running for Italian Manuel Locatelli, and selling Demiral is a top priority for the club.

Everton’s new boss, Rafael Benitez, wants to improve his backline defense as his club has conceded more goals than they had scored in the English Premier League.

Signing Demiral would be a great complement to the existing group of Mason Holgate, Michael Keane and Ben Godfrey as Yerry Mina’s future at the club is in question.

The Turkish player has struggled with injury woes for most of his career, limiting his development.

However, Juventus’ asking price could be too much for Everton as Demiral has struggled with injuries throughout his young career that saw him play 10 league games.

Nevertheless, if Everton could persuade Juventus to drop their asking price for him, he will be a great addition to the defense if he can stay healthy.