Everton have been linked with a shock January move for Kevin De Bruyne, but a familiar face could have a big say in where the Belgian ends up.

Earlier this week, Calciomercato reported that Everton had made first contact over a move for the Napoli playmaker, with De Bruyne not enjoying life in Italy.

Fabrizio Romano says Kevin De Bruyne could leave Napoli in January

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano said: “Keep an eye on Kevin De Bruyne for January.”

He explained that it’s been a difficult start for De Bruyne at Napoli, who are struggling this season, and that the 35-year-old has had “some problems with his teammates”.

“The reports from the Netherlands are about PSV Eindhoven, and I can say that it’s true that PSV Eindhoven have been calling over the recent weeks… in November, to understand the situation of Kevin De Bruyne,” Romano added.

And that’s where Marcel Brands comes in. Everton’s former director of football is now PSV’s general director, having recently extended his contract until 2029. If PSV are serious, he could have a big part to play.

Romano did warn that “financially, it’s a difficult deal”, with Napoli yet to decide whether to sanction an exit. There’s interest from MLS too.

Would Kevin De Bruyne make sense for Everton?

It would certainly be an interesting move. But the No.10 role isn’t exactly an area of weakness, with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall playing so well there.

There isn’t much depth there, though. If Dewsbury-Hall got injured, there aren’t many internal solutions David Moyes can turn to. Charly Alcaraz might have to come back in, and the drop-off feels quite stark. So if Everton are serious about a push for Europe, a quality No.10 could actually be a smart addition.

Obviously, at 35, De Bruyne isn’t the same player he was at Manchester City, for whom he won six Premier League titles*. He’s started just six games in Serie A for Napoli this season, with five more off the bench, which suggests he doesn’t have the legs he used to — understandably. But that quality never goes away, and he’s still managed four goals and two assists in all competitions.

The obvious hurdle is money. De Bruyne is reportedly on around £200,000 a week at Napoli, which would make him one of Everton’s highest earners, behind only Jack Grealish, who is on around £225,000 a week at the club, according to Capology. It’s hard to see them paying that much for a player who’d spend plenty of time on the bench.