Everton today insisted "discussions are continuing" with Fiorentina, after they received an offer for Danish defender Per Kroldrup from the Italian club.

Fiorentina earlier announced they had signed the 26-year-old, who cost the Toffees £5million when he joined from Udinese last summer.

Before appearing as a first-half substitute in last night's FA Cup win over Millwall, Kroldrup had made just one appearance since his transfer to Goodison Park.

Fiorentina sporting director Pantaleo Corvino said: "We've always said that the club would continue to look closely at the opportunity to sign quality players in the transfer market.

"Hence, we have signed on a definite transfer defender Kroldrup - not only for our current needs but for the future."

However, with fellow defender Joseph Yobo away on African Nations Cup duty and Kroldrup replacing the injured David Weir during the 1-0 victory over Millwall, the Dane may suddenly have become central to manager David Moyes' plans.