Everton launch second forward move, as Wolves man targeted alongside Watford’s Joao Pedro
Joao Pedro isn’t the only attacker Everton want to sign this week as they are reportedly pursuing Wolves star Adama Traore too.
Pedro looks set to leave Watford this summer. The Hornets are happy to let him go as they know he wants to be playing top-flight football.
Fellow forward Emmanuel Dennis has already joined Nottingham Forest in a £20million deal, while Ismaila Sarr could stay at Vicarage Road after his Aston Villa switch fell through.
On Monday, Fabrizio Romano revealed Newcastle had reached an agreement with Watford to sign Pedro. The Magpies are willing to pay an initial £25million for him, plus £5m in potential bonuses.
But according to Craig Hope of the Daily Mail, the Brazilian’s move to St James’ Park is under threat. That’s because Everton are planning to match Newcastle’s offer for Pedro.
The Toffees will need attacking reinforcements if Anthony Gordon leaves for Chelsea. Recent reports suggest the England U21 international wants to join Thomas Tuchel’s side.
But Pedro isn’t the only player Everton are hoping to bring in to replace Gordon. Football Insider state they are also looking into a move for Traore.
Frank Lampard wants a pacy winger to fill the void left by Gordon and Traore certainly fits the bill. Indeed, he is one of the fastest players in the Premier League currently.
Everton make Adama Traore approach
Football Insider claim Everton have made an approach for the Spaniard, whose Wolves contract is due to expire next summer.
However, the Toffees have not yet found out whether Wolves are happy to let Traore go.
The 26-year-old has previously been holding out for a move to a top-four club, such as Tottenham. But that is now unlikely and Everton hope he will lower his demands.
Everton will have plenty of funds to spend on Pedro and Traore if Gordon leaves. That’s because Chelsea will have to pay around £60m to capture the latter.
However, Everton may not have to part with too much to bring Traore in. With his contract running down, they could get him on a season-long loan for a reasonable fee.
Then, at the end of the campaign, Traore could move to Goodison Park permanently on a free transfer.
Bruno Lage has previously been open to letting Traore go. This is one of the reasons why the winger spent the second half of last season on loan at Barcelona.
However, Lage may lose fellow attacker Pedro Neto this week after Arsenal set their sights on the Portuguese. Him leaving might force Lage to keep Traore for the current season.
Clearly, this is a fluid situation that could change any moment. Everton’s pursuits of Traore and Pedro will depend on other clubs selling, or potentially keeping, their players.
Meanwhile, Everton are keen on raiding Brighton for a 19-cap international star, according to a report.
