Adem Ljajic's agent confirms interest as Everton and Aston Villa eye bids

Posted Saturday, October 08, 2011 by Metro.co.uk

The agent of Everton target Adem Ljajic has backtracked on suggestions his client will remain with Fiorentina, by confirming the interest of several sides from outside of Italy.

Adem Ljajic's agent confirms interest as Everton and Aston Villa eye bids
Everton and Aston Villa have been strongly linked with Adem Ljajic

Ljajic joined Fiorentina in January 2010, after Manchester United broke off a pre-contract arrangement they had with Partizan Belgrade, following extensive work permit problems.

The Serbian midfielder has had a mixed time in Italy, but under fellow countryman Sinisa Mihajlovic, he's showing consistent signs of improvement and has attracted interest from a whole host of European outfits.

Everton and Aston Villa have been strongly linked in recent weeks, and although Ljajic's agent initially denied suggestions the player would quit Fiorentina, he has since left the door open, saying: 'It's true that teams outside of Italy follow Adem, but I prefer to not talk about it. We will wait to see what happens'

Toffees boss David Moyes is on the look out for new creative options after selling Mikel Arteta to Arsenal on transfer deadline day, and Ljajic fits his youth orientated philosophy as well as representing significant sell on value.

The only stumbling block would be a potential fee, with La Viola wanting to make a profit on the £8million they paid Partizan, while also being careful of the player forcing through a move.

A happy solution of a loan move with a view to a permanent deal seems most likely, with the player keen to gain experience while Fiorentina look to bump up the price.