Khedira is Ancelotti’s top target

JUVENTUS midfielder Sami Khedira is in talks with Everton over a move. The 33-year- old is out of contract in the summer and free to negotiate with clubs.

The German is eager to play in the Premier League and also has interest from Tottenham, who may have to sell players before considering an offer for him.

Manager Carlo Ancelotti has also revealed Everton want to make Robin Olsen’s loan permanent — potentially this month — in a deal which would leave Jordan Pickford’s position as the club’s No 1 goalkeeper more uncertain.

Olsen, 30, has impressed Ancelotti since he signed a season-long deal from Roma, who are interested in Toffees winger Bernard. Olsen was notably selected for the Carabao Cup quarter-final against Manchester United — the biggest game of Everton’s season so far.

‘We are pleased to have him here,’ Ancelotti said ahead of today’s clash with West Ham.

‘We are going to talk with him and his agent to find a solution for him to be here permanently. It can be for January or June.

‘The games he’s played, he did well. He was comfortable, calm and quiet and gives good support to Jordan.’ Ancelotti believes Olsen can spur Pickford on. But he also insists that signings this month will not affect Everton’s Champions League hopes.

‘To be in the top four depends on the quality we show in the second part of the season. That means also to avoid injury,’ he said. ‘We’ve had important players out. If they recover, the squad is good enough to be in a European position.’

David Moyes returns to Everton tonight with West Ham, who have played twice since his former club’s last match after Manchester City’s Covid outbreak saw Everton’s midweek game called off. ‘We will not be moaning about the games because that’s the fixtures,’ Moyes said. ‘They didn’t stop the games when me and two players got Covid. They’ve chosen this time that they will.’