Everton preparing £35m raid for Chelsea defensive target

Everton are reportedly ready to rival Chelsea over the signing of Senegal international defender Kalidou Koulibaly this summer, according to the Liverpool Echo.

The Premier League side, who finished one place and three points behind the Blues in eleventh spot in the English top-flight standings last term under former boss Roberto Martinez, are prepared to spend big in a bid to beat Chelsea to the Napoli centre-half ahead of the forthcoming 2016/17 campaign.

New Chelsea boss Conte – Photo: Mark Leech / Offside.

The 25-year-old, who has six international caps for his country, provided two assists in 42 appearances in all competitions for the Serie A outfit last season.

Koulibaly, who was part of a Napoli squad who conceded just 32 times in 38 league games last term as they finished runners-up to eventual champions Juventus, has already been the subject of a failed £19m bid from Antonio Conte’s Chelsea last month.

However, reports now suggests that Ronald Koeman’s Toffees are willing to submit an offer in excess of £35m for the Senegalese star, despite the Italian club holding out for over £42m for the former Metz man.