Everton make transfer approach for ‘young Salah’ who could solve their attacking problems

Everton have made enquiries about signing Juventus trequartista Dejan Kulusevski on loan.

Kulusevski, 21, has struggled for starts under Juve boss Massimiliano Allegri this season after making 34 appearances in Serie A last season.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Juve are struggling to sell the Sweden international on permanent deal in January, meaning they are now open to a loan and Everton have ‘come forward’ as an option.

However, Kulusevski has ‘already turned down Everton’ earlier in the window, meaning the Toffees have a job on their hands to convince him to move to Merseyside,

A £27.9 million signing two years ago, he has been restricted to only five league starts this season.

Allegri has instead relied upon Federico Chiesa, Federico Bernanrdeschi, Juan Cuadrado and Weston McKennie.

Who is Dejan Kulusevski?

Born in Stockholm, Kulusevski’s career hasn’t ventured away from Italy since signing for Atalanta’s youth academy in 2016 from Brommapojkarna.

The Swedish attacker spent the first half of 2019/20 on loan with Serie A side Parma. After impressing on loan, Juventus signed him and sent him back to Parma for the remainder of the season.

Experienced Italian coach Pierpaolo Bisoli said: “He has incredible physical strength. He reminds me of a young Salah for the way he shakes off opponents in the first ten metres.”

In his debut season with the Old Lady, the Swede made 47 appearances across all competitions, scoring and assisting seven goals.

Since making his national team debut at the age of 19, he has gone on to make 20 appearances. His only goal for his nation came in November 2020 when opened the scoring in the 2-1 win over Croatia in the Nations League.

Kulusevski told UEFA.com: “Zlatan Ibrahimović has been a role model for me. He has been for all Swedish players but mostly for us sons of immigrants.

“From the beginning my role was a trequartista ... I can be a winger, last season I was a mezzala [on the side in a three-man midfield], so I can play wherever the coach wants, but I see myself as a trequartista behind the strikers.”

How likely are Everton to sign Kulusevski?

It’s currently hard to tell whether the Toffees will be able to attract the Sweden international.

If the reports are true, that Kulusevski has already rejected a move to Goodison Park, Farhad Moshiri faces a tough challenge in bringing the winger in.

Everton possess quality out wide, with Demarai Gray, Andros Townsend and the ever-impressing Anthony Gordon.

The £78,000-per-week star may turn his nose up at moving to Merseyside, with his current side fifth in Serie A and still within a chance of winning the Italian title.