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Everton are plotting a move for Juventus centre-half Angelo Ogbonna.

The 27-year-old Italian has emerged as the Blues’ No1 defensive target this summer.

Roberto Martinez is looking to bolster his options at centre-back following the release of Sylvain Distin and Antolin Alcaraz.

The Everton boss wants to put John Stones and Phil Jagielka under pressure and is eyeing a move for the Italy international to give them serious competition for their places.

Crystal Palace captain Scott Dann is on the Blues’ radar but the ECHO understands Ogbonna remains Martinez’s first-choice.

Genk centre-half Kara Mbodj is also on the Catalan’s list but it is the Juve defender who Martinez is prioritising.

Liverpool-born Dann would command a fee of over £10m and Palace are not looking to cash in on their skipper.

Martinez is an admirer of the 28-year-old but would prefer to try and lure Ogbonna to the Premier League.

The former Torino defender made 30 appearances for the Old Lady last season and played 22 times the previous year.

Juventus paid over £11m for his services in the summer of 2013 and though he has picked up Champions League and Europa League experience with the Serie A champions, Ogbonna has often been an understudy for Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini.

Ogbonna also can operate at full-back and fits the bill for Martinez who ideally wants to add a left-footed defender to his squad.

Dann, a right-footed defender, is therefore second on the manager’s wish-list.

Jagielka, who signed a one-year contract extension last week, will be first-choice alongside John Stones but Ogbonna would be brought in to provide immediate competition for their place in the side and could step in and flourish if either is injured.