Everton fail with audacious bid for Juventus and Chelsea target

Atalanta have rejected a £15m bid from Everton for Juventus and Chelsea target Franck Kessie, according to Sky Italia, via Football Italia.

Kessie, who turned 20 last month, has made a blistering start to the season with surprise package Atalanta and his performances have already seen him heavily linked with a high profile move away from the Serie A side.

The Atalanta ace is currently with the Ivory Coast squad that are preparing to defend their Africa Cup of Nations title from 2015 but that hasn’t stopped clubs in their attempt to win his signature this month.

Chelsea and Juventus are the frontrunners to sign the Ivorian midfielder, but Everton have now emerged as interested parties after reportedly having a £15m bid turned down for the midfielder dubbed ‘the new Yaya Toure’.

Atalanta have already lost Roberto Gagliardini to Inter this month and are prepared to play hardball with admirers of Kessie as they look to hold onto their prized assets for at least the rest of the season.

Kessie has scored more goals than any other midfielder in Serie A this season (6).

For more stats on Franck Kessie, click here to visit his WhoScored player page