Axel Witsel is at the heart of a two-way transfer tussle between Everton and Napoli.
New Blues boss Ronald Koeman previously identified Zenit St Petersburg playmaker Witsel as a potential marquee signing as he kick-starts his reign with a £100 million war chest.
But reports on Friday had claimed that the Belgium international had agreed a £30 million switch have proved premature with Napoli also planning to lure Witsel away from the Russian club.
And Thierry Witsel, the player’s father, insists that both Everton and their Italian counterparts have expressed ‘concrete’ interest but admits that Napoli remains the more enticing prospect.
He said: “It’s true I met with (Napoli sporting director) Cristiano Giuntoli in Brussels.
“It was a positive discussion and there could be interest by both parties, so we’ll see how things evolve.
“Everton’s interest is concrete, like Napoli’s, so the negotiation is ongoing, and to see if the marriage happens we have to see the conditions and understand what is the best destination for the player.
“Napoli is a great club. They had Maradona amongst their protagonists so they don’t need to be praised.
“(Dries) Mertens spoke very highly of Napoli with Axel. He knows that going to Napoli would mean joining a big club and making a step forward in his career.”