Everton
Premier League • England
Everton reignite interest in Brentford-linked LaLiga attacker as Dyche eyes antidote to major issue
Everton are reportedly considering a move for Almeria star El Bilal Toure, as they continue their search for a new striker.
The Toffees currently find themselves in their second consecutive relegation scrap, with a lack of proven goal scorers proving to be their biggest issue.
Regardless of whether they survive the drop or not, Sean Dyche is expected to bring in at least one new centre-forward ahead of next season.
Everton currently find themselves in 17th place in the table, just one point outside the relegation zone. Now, they have just two matches against Wolves and Bournemouth to avoid dropping to the second tier for the first time since 1951.
This season, the Toffees have scored just 32 goals in 36 Premier League games – the third-least in the division.
Their main striker Dominic Calvert Lewin has endured another injury-disrupted campaign, while summer signing Neal Maupay has scored just one goal in 26 appearances.
Calvert Lewin’s recent return to fitness has made a huge difference to Everton’s performances. But, he was substituted at half-time against Manchester City on Sunday as a ‘precaution.’
Now, Evertonians will no doubt be praying that he will be fit for their game against Wolves on Saturday.
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Everton eye Toure swoop
Clearly, Everton need to sign at least one new striker this summer. Now, according to the Daily Mail, the Toffees are considering a move for Toure.
Interestingly, the Toffees were first linked with the 21-year-old last summer after scouting him ‘extensively.’
The Almeria star has missed the end of the season after tearing a thigh muscle, which reportedly occurred when he set off to spint at 35km/h – ‘as fast as a spinytail iguana.’
Everton have a history of signing injury prone players and they already have enough problems with Calvert-Lewin. So, the fans will no doubt be worried they could repeat that mistake with Toure.
This season, the Mali international has made 19 appearances in LaLiga, scoring six goals and making two assists.
A versatile player, Toure has the ability to play as a centre-forward or as a winger on either flank, so could provide cover in several positions.
Standing at 6ft, he is both rapid and relatively tall – so could fit into a Dyche system well.
However, Everton are not the only team in the race, with Brentford eyeing Toure as a potential replacement for Ivan Toney.
The Daily Mail don’t reveal how much Toure would cost, but Transfermarkt value him at approximately £10m.
The Toffees’ ability to bring in players will be significantly diminished if they are relegated, though. So, for now, their sole focus has to be on remaining in the Premier League.
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