Empoli star Riccardo Saponara is in the sights of Everton.

The Daily Star says Everton have set their sights on Empoli creative midfielder Saponara.

He struggled for playing time at Milan, but has been remarkable since moving back to Empoli in January, scoring seven goals in his last 10 Serie A games.

Napoli had already tried to sign 23-year-old Saponara over the summer, but Empoli rebuffed all their advances.

It's reported Everton plan to offer £4.5m to tempt him into a move to the Premier League mid-season.