Everton
Premier League • England
Everton could be handed second shot at landing 15-goal striker with Bundesliga outfit forced into sale
Everton may reportedly be given a second shot at landing Werder Bremen striker Niclas Fullkrug this summer, with an exit looking increasingly likely.
The Germany international has scored 15 goals in 26 games in all competitions this season, including six assists, and also three in two outings for the national team.
That has led to plenty of interest in his services and it was well-known that the Toffees chased a deal in the January transfer window. Indeed, reports at the time claimed that Everton ‘courted him intensively’.
But now BILD states that Bremen’s €38million debt means their star man is likely to be moved on after an impressive campaign.
Contract talks with Fullkrug were already underway and the player wants to stay. However, the club’s current financial plight means they will have to listen to offers when they arrive.
Fullkrug is the most likely of Bremen’s stars to be moved, especially when they wipe out a good chunk of that debt with his sale.
Everton’s blatantly obvious need for a striker in the wake of Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s continuous struggles also makes a switch to Merseyside all the more likely.
The England striker has only played 30 games for the club over the last two seasons, both of which have turned into relegation battles.
The 26-year-old could, however, be back on the bench for Monday night’s visit of Tottenham.
Everton need consistent striker threat
But with Calvert-Lewin constantly on the treatment table, Everton need a more reliable No.9 to fill that void. And that is where Fullkrug comes in, with the 30-year-old possessing the sort of build and power that could see him thrive in England football.
BILD also adds that Everton are the only serious suitors for the forward, which is good news in terms of the price for the player not creeping up in a bidding war between rival clubs.
However, it’s highly unlikely that Bremen will accept any offer below the €20m mark (£17.6m) for their talisman.
Much will now depend on whether the Toffees can secure their Premier League status ahead of the summer.
Sean Dyche’s men are currently 15th in the table but only two points above the drop zone.