Milan defender Dario Simic claims Everton have made an offer for his services during the close season.The Croatia international, the most-capped player in his country's history, performed in the World Cup finals but was one of the players sent off by referee Graham Poll during the crunch clash with Australia.
Formerly with Dinamo Zagreb and Internazionale, the versatile stopper is under contract until May, 2009, but has been stunned by the punishments dished out to his club by the Italian footballing authorities for the scandal that has rocked the game.
"There are two interested clubs," he revealed to the Croatian press. "One of them is Everton.
"But everything is on stand-by, although I spoke to [Milan general sports director] Ariedo Brada about this interest."
Everton boss David Moyes attempted to sign the 30-year-old during the two transfer windows in 2005 and is a long-term admirer of the player.
The Rossoneri have been granted an entry route into the UEFA Champions League following an appeal against their suspension, and the lighter punishment could lead to the likes of Simic ultimately agreeing to remain in Milan.
The San Siro outfit now have an eight-point deduction for next season's Serie A instead of the 15-point penalty originally planned.
Sky Sports