Everton are believed to be lining up a swoop for Diego Placente.
Everton are believed to be lining up a swoop for Argentine defender Diego Placente.The Toffees have targeted the Bayer Leverkusen ace as a possible signing for next season.
Goodison Park boss David Moyes is determined to bolster his squad as he looks to build on their fine campaign last season.
Moyes has made defensive reinforcements his top priority with the futures of Alessandro Pistone, Alan Stubbs and Steve Watson all remaining uncertain.
Everton have been alerted to Placente's availability as he could leave on a Bosman when his contract with Leverkusen expires next month.
Leverkusen are keen to keep hold of him, but have warned him he would have to take a pay cut to stay after they failed to make the Champions League.
Placente is now weighing up his options with a number of clubs looking to lure him away from The BayArena.
Roma are keen on signing him, but Everton are hoping to beat the Italians to his signature by offering him the prospect of playing in the Champions League.
The player's agent Vincenzo Morabito admitted Roma are chasing Placente's signature, but hinted Everton could win the race for his signature.
"Now there is some interest from Roma," Morabito told Gazetta Dello Sport.
"In order to travel to Rome we must at least reach a principle agreement.
"Diego appreciates the interest of Roma, but if an offer from Everton arrived we could not ignore it.
"With all respect for Roma, Everton will play in the Champions League next season."
