Kevin Phillips has said that Everton can repeat the success they enjoyed last summer by moving for Napoli's Lorenzo Insigne. 

The former Sunderland frontman was discussing the Blues' reported interest in the Italian striker with Football Insider.

The lowdown

According to Sky Italia journalist Luca Marchetti (via Calcio Napoli 24), Rafael Benitez wants a reunion with Insigne at Goodison Park. The Spaniard was in charge at Napoli between 2013 and 2015, and the Italy striker helped the team to win two trophies in that time - one Coppa Italia and one Supercoppa.

Insigne featured in all but one game for eventual winners Italy at the European Championship earlier this summer. He scored two goals at the finals, the second of which - a long-range curler against Belgium in the Round of 16 - was ranked as one of the top 10 of the tournament.

The winger is now into the final 12 months of his contract at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, so Napoli know that as it stands, he will be able to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with another club in January.

The latest

Phillips reckons that Toffees fans would be buzzing if Insigne were signed off the back of some more low-key additions. He also feels that the 30-year-old could serve as an effective mentor for Demarai Gray, five years his junior, given his vast experience at the top level.

"I think they made some good moves last year with Allan and James Rodriguez," Phillips told Football Insider. "This would be similar to those deals.

"He’d be coming full of confidence after the summer he’s had. He could be a really good signing.

"They’ve already got experience in Andros Townsend, and he would add even more to help guide younger players like Demarai Gray.

"Everton fans will get behind Benitez and his signings so far, but I think this deal would really ignite excitement around Goodison."

The verdict

Insigne is an excellent player but there are question marks over his suitability for Benitez's side. Everton are best served selecting wide players who will aim crosses into Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who can be lethal with the right delivery.

This isn't really Insigne's game - he averaged only one cross per 90 minutes at Euro 2020 and instead prefers to cut inside and go for goal himself (via WhoScored).

Throw his £150,000-per-week wages into the equation as well, and there's reason to doubt the wisdom of this move.

In other news, many Everton fans fumed over this transfer update.