Everton are reportedly leading the race to sign Merih Demiral in the summer transfer window.

The Lowdown: Everton need centre-back

The Goodison Park faithful certainly need to invest in their defence if they have the ambition to qualify for European competition next season, given that they conceded no fewer than 48 goals in the Premier League in the last campaign.

A new centre-back would go a long way towards resolving that, and would give the Merseyside club another handy option alongside the likes of Ben Godfrey, Mason Holgate, Michael Keane and Yerry Mina.

The Latest: Everton lead Demiral race

As per Calciomercato, the Toffees are 'ahead of others' in the race to sign Demiral, who reportedly wants to leave Juventus.

Both Atalanta and AS Roma are also in the hunt for his signature, but the Old Lady will not sell him for anything less than €40m (£34.3m).

The Verdict: Sign him quickly

Even though Turkey went out at the group stages at Euro 2020, Demiral performed very well for his country at times, averaging a mammoth 6.7 clearances, as well as 1.7 interceptions and 1.3 tackles a game, while also winning 4.3 of his duels per match (Sofascore).

Given that all eyes have been on the tournament, he is likely to have grabbed the attention of other clubs in addition to the likes of Atalanta and Roma, meaning that the Blues may need to sign him quickly.

At six-feet-two-inches tall, Demiral should have no problems at all in coping with both the physical and aerial demands of the Premier League, and at just 23 years of age, he will only get better.

Nonetheless, if given the chance, EFC should be all over a deal for the big central defender.

In other news, find out what Calvert-Lewin footage has Evertonians talking here!