Everton are in early talks to sign Kevin De Bruyne on a shock January transfer, with the Belgian midfielder said to be struggling at Napoli following his high-profile departure from Manchester City last summer.

According to Calciomercato, De Bruyne — who turned 35 in June — "appears to be in a decline mentally" at the Italian club and could make a sensational return to the Premier League as early as the January window. Everton have already made contact with the player's representatives, the report states.

From the Etihad to Naples — and back to England?

De Bruyne spent a decade at Manchester City, winning six Premier League titles and registering nearly 200 goal involvements in 288 top-flight appearances. He swapped one blue shirt for another when he joined Napoli last summer, but the transition to Serie A has not gone as hoped.

His contract with the Partenopei runs until 2027, with the club holding an option for a further year. Whether Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis is willing to sanction a mid-season exit is a question that remains unanswered. Transfermarkt currently values De Bruyne at €8 million.

Everton's season so far

The Toffees currently sit sixth in the Premier League and have enjoyed an encouraging campaign despite a difficult summer in the transfer market. The club sold striker Beto without recruiting a replacement, leaving Thierno Barry as the only recognised centre-forward at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

A failure to bring in cover at right-back after Seamus Coleman's retirement has also forced midfielder Merlin Rohl into the position this season. Should De Bruyne arrive in January, he would represent the most high-profile signing in Everton's recent history.

Complicating the club's January planning is the uncertain status of loanee Jack Grealish. The England international, on loan from Manchester City, was dropped by manager David Moyes after reportedly missing a training session in breach of club disciplinary rules. There is now speculation that his loan spell could be cut short before its natural conclusion, with a permanent move considered extremely unlikely.

Everton's next Premier League fixture takes them to Brentford when club football resumes after the international break.