Everton could sign Juventus midfielder ‘free of charge’ in January

Rafael Benitez is already lining up the first signing of the post Marcel Brands era at Everton, according to reports.

The Toffees parted company with their director of football late on Sunday night and are set to raid Serie A for reinforcements in the January transfer window.

According to multiple reports emanating from Italy, former Inter and Napoli boss Benitez is keen to tie up a deal for Juventus midfielder Aaron Ramsey.

The former Arsenal star, who played 371 games for the Premier League club, has been linked with Everton in the past but now appears surplus to requirements in Turin and could be available “free of charge” this winter.

According to Italian media outlet  Tuttosport, Juve want to remove the Welshman’s wages from their books so they can crack on with their own transfer dealings.

Speaking after Everton’s 2-1 win over Arsenal on Monday night, Benitez said Everton would be dipping into the transfer market as soon as possible.

“We have to start working right now for the short term and that means January,” he said. “And then we have to start planning for the long term.”

How likely is the deal?

Ramsey moved to Juventus in 2019 but has failed to really establish himself as a first team regular at the deposed Serie A champions.

He completed the full 90 minutes just twice in the league last season and has made just two appearances this term amid a series of injuries.

The 30-year-old has a contract that runs until June 2023 and has turned down offers of a return to the Premier League before - having been linked with Wolves and Crystal Palace during the summer.

Even if Juventus are willing to let Ramsey go for free, Everton would have to pay some serious wages.

Given how they Toffees were stung by the James Rodriguez transfer from Real Madrid and that they have just ousted their director of football over some questionable deals, this one seems unlikely.