Martinez’s Toffees target AC Milan midfielder Sulley Muntari
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Everton (evens with Coral for a top 10 finish) are apparently eyeing AC Milan dynamo Sulley Muntari, and could be set to grab the Ghanaian for a cut-price fee this summer.
Muntari, who previously played for both Portsmouth and Sunderland in the Premier League, may well return to English shores following a turbulent term with the Rossoneri.
An Udinese academy graduate, midfield engine Muntari has spent four seasons with the red and black half of Milan, after making a loan move from city rivals Inter permanent in 2012.
However, the 30-year-old has struggled for game time this season and has struck just twice in only 17 appearances across all competitions.
Muntari has not made a Serie A outing since early March and was only recently brought back into the fold, after a four-game absence, for a place on the bench in the recent defeat to Genoa.
Despite having penned a contract extension until 2016 just last June, the midfield battleaxe reportedly asked not to be included in the Rossoneri’s squad himself.
According to Muntari’s agent, Federico Pastorello, the former Black Stars international “asked not to be added to the squad, because he knows he’s not in Milan’s plans for next season. Milan said OK.”
With his time at the San Siro seemingly nearing an end, Everton could step in and snap up the tenacious tackler to supplement their side after a underwhelming campaign.
Doubts remain over supposed Arsenal target James McCarthy’s future, while fellow midfield shield Gareth Barry has been sub-par this season, and young Croatia international Muhamed Besic is still learning his craft, so snaring an extra pair of legs for the position appears wise.
Energetic and exuberant, Muntari’s experience may be what most appeals to the Toffees. The decorated defensive midfielder is a Champions League and two-time Serie A winner with the Nerazzurri, having contributed to Jose Mourinho’s 2010 treble winning team, and also famously lifted the FA Cup with Pompey in 2008.
Considering his situation at the San Siro, Everton could potentially acquire Muntari’s services for a surprisingly low sum, without some outlets even suggesting his contract could be terminated by mutual agreement, but the Toffees may have to fend off interest from rivals West Ham United and Hull City (11/2 to be relegated), who are also said to be keen on capturing the star.
