Everton have moved ahead of Napoli in the battle for Axel Witsel, according to one of the player’s representatives.
Ronald Koeman identified Witsel as a key target to kick-start his Blues reign but faces opposition from the Serie A outfit to land the Belgium international.
However intermediary Francesco Marseglia has revealed that Everton have stolen a march on Napoli in the race for the 27-year-old amid claims that he has been offered a £120,000-per-week salary to convince him to move to Goodison Park.
“Axel is currently further away from Napoli,” Marseglia told Radio Crc.
“The offer wasn’t really given a lot of consideration. Everton might even go above €4 million net in salary.
“If you look at the financial aspect, that’s the right move, but in terms of career I’d choose Napoli every time, even putting the Champions League to one side.
“Napoli are an ambitious club, they’re growing every year, always taking more important players. Everton don’t seem like a great team.
“I don’t know exactly what the situation is, in my opinion he wants to take his time because he’s not yet convinced about what to do.
“He can either accept the English club or wait for an even bigger club.”