Everton representatives have reportedly held talks with Juventus in the last 48 hours in a bid to agree a deal for Luca Marrone.

Toffees boss Roberto Martinez tried to sign the defensive midfielder on a season-long loan last month, but Juve will only allow the 23-year-old to leave on a permanent basis.

According to Sport Mediaset, the Merseyside club sent officials to Juve's 1-0 win over Sampdoria in Genoa on Saturday, with talks ongoing between the two clubs.

Marrone made 12 appearances for Juve in all competitions last season, but faces stiff competition for a regular first-team place from the likes of Paul Pogba, Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal.

Everton face competition for Marrone's signature, with Serie A duo Parma and Cagliari both believed to be monitoring the situation closely.

Juve are believed to want around £6m for the Azzurri youth international, who is a versatile option in midfield.