Everton have retaken the position as favourites to land Axel Witsel following another twist in the midfielder’s transfer saga.
Witsel appeared destined for Goodison Park with the Blues winning the race for the Belgium international’s signature before a late intervention from Napoli.
But talks with the Serie A club have since broken down which Sport Mediaset claim puts Everton back in the frame to secure the 27-year-old’s services.
Zenit St Petersburg manager Mircea Lucescu has resigned himself to losing Witsel, who has also attracted interest from Chelsea, this summer.
He said: “We have lost three key players. Danny is injured, Hulk went to China and Witsel is waiting for a transfer to another club.”