Everton, Napoli battle for Axel Witsel

Everton and Napoli are battling to sign Zenit St Petersburg midfielder Axel Witsel this summer, according to the player's father.

The 27-year-old was part of the Belgium team that lost 3-1 to Wales in the quarter-finals of Euro 2016 on Friday night.

Wiesel's future had been put on hold due to his involvement in the competition, but following Belgium's elimination, the midfielder's transfer situation has now been discussed by his father.

"It's true I met with [Napoli sporting director] Cristiano Giuntoli in Brussels. It was a positive discussion and there could be interest by both parties, so we'll see how things evolve," Thierry Witsel told CRC.

"Everton's interest is concrete, like Napoli's, so the negotiation is ongoing, and to see if the marriage happens we have to see the conditions and understand what is the best destination for the player. Napoli is a great club. They had [Diego] Maradona amongst their protagonists so they don't need to be praised."

Witsel joined Zenit from Benfica in the summer of 2012.