'I'm not surprised he's leaving' - Journo drops Everton exit claim on 'vital' Ancelotti signing

Allan’s mooted Everton exit should not come as a surprise, journalist Paul Brown has told GiveMeSport.

TuttoMercatoWeb journalist Niccolo Ceccarini recently reported (via Sport Witness) that the Toffees could well put the Brazilian midfielder up for sale when the summer transfer window opens.

The 31-year-old is under ‘strong consideration’ at Lazio as they assess potential replacements for exit-bound Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.

Allan left another Serie A outfit in Napoli to join Everton in a £21.7m deal in September 2020, reuniting with Carlo Ancelotti on Merseyside. He has gone on to make 56 appearances for the club, including 25 Premier League starts this season.

Brown doesn’t believe that it would be wise for Everton to hand Allan a long-term contract extension, particularly if he demands a pay rise.

The journalist told GiveMeSport: “I’m not surprised he’s leaving and it would be foolish to stick him on a longer contract.

“He would probably want more in terms of a salary too, so it doesn’t surprise me that he will go.”

To a degree, it would be a surprise to see Allan being sold, given the extent of his involvement in the top flight this season. With three starts in Everton’s last four matches, during which they have picked up seven points, he certainly isn’t out of favour under Frank Lampard.

Indeed, it was only this time last year that BT Sport commentator Darren Fletcher was describing him as a ‘vital‘ player for the club.

However, his contract is due to expire in just over 13 months’ time, so Everton may view this summer as their final opportunity to cash in on him. Come next January, Allan will be able to negotiate pre-contract terms with other clubs if he is still with the Toffees.

The Brazilian earns £70,000 per