SSC Napoli have reportedly laid the red carpet for Everton to sign Arkadiusz Milik in January, with the Polish striker convinced he will leave the Serie A side.

What’s the word?

According to Arena Napoli, Milik is convinced that he will leave the San Paolo Stadium in the upcoming winter market in order not to miss out on featuring in the postponed UEFA European tournament.

Everton are seen as one potential suitor who may be willing to purchase Milik come the New Year, with manager Carlo Ancelotti known to have great esteem for the 26-year-old and retains an interest in his availability after links in the summer.

Tottenham Hotspur are also thought to be on the scene following AS Roma and Juventus withdrawing their interest, despite Milik not featuring in any competition so far this season and scoring the last of his 48 career Napoli goals in a 2-1 Serie A win over Udinese Calcio in July.

Napoli are no longer expected to demand close to €25million (£22.6m) to release Milik in January, with President Aurelio de Laurentiis open to a €15m (£13.5m) deal featuring €5m (£4.5m) in add-ons that will be activated through appearances and goals.

Napoli believe the lower figure still represents an important capital gain for a player deemed surplus to requirements by Gennaro Gattuso, and would use the funds raised to strengthen the Italian’s squad with Chelsea’s Emerson Palmieri.

Will Everton sign Milik?

While Ancelotti’s admiration of Milik’s talents was well documented during the Italian tactician’s time in charge of Napoli, it would be unlikely that he will strive to secure a reunion with the striker at Everton despite the reports of interest.

Former Italy World Cup winner Francesco Graziani told Radio Kiss Kiss via Sport Witness that Ancelotti held a special appreciation of Milik, noting: “Ancelotti made a confession on Milik. He told me he is the footballer every coach wants to have.”

And yet Ancelotti had the potential of welcoming Milik to Goodison Park this summer, but journalist Ciro Venerato told Radio Kiss Kiss via quotes by Tutto Napoli: “I think [Milik] aspired to join Everton, PSG or Atletico Madrid.

“Everton, however, wanted a counter-attacker and not one with the characteristics of Milik. Ancelotti had communicated this to a member of the Polish‘s entourage.”

The Blues have since begun the season comfortably on the back of Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s form, with the striker boasting eight goals in seven Premier League games, and may not wish to pursue a centre-forward of Milik’s calibre to offer depth behind the England international.

AND in other news, Everton missed the boat with an “amazing” talent who could have filled the void of a club legend.