Everton to sign striker but face Stones fight
Oumar Niasse: Lokomotiv Moscow striker set for Everton
Everton are on the brink of signing Lokomotiv Moscow striker Oumar Niasse after having a £13.5million offer accepted by the Russian club.
Niasse is already in the North West of England to discuss personal terms with Everton, according to The Guardian, as Roberto Martinez prepares to add to his squad ahead of Monday’s transfer deadline.
Niasse, who has also been watched by Chelsea, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United and Aston Villa, was the subject of failed bids from Bayer Leverkusen and Monaco, but the 25-year-old has his heart set on a move to the Premier League with his wife based in Manchester.
Niasse was voted the Russian Premier League’s player of 2015 and has contributed 12 goals and 10 assists in 21 games for Lokomotiv this season as the focal point of their 4-3-3 system.
He previously scored 15 goals in one season with Turkish club Akhisar Belediyespor in 2013-14 and has four goals in four appearances for the Senegal national team.
Man City the favourites for John Stones
While Everton look set to strengthen their attack, both the Sunday Mirror and Daily Star Sunday report that Manchester City are confident of signing John Stones this summer.
Stones was the subject of several offers from Chelsea in the summer, but the west Londoners are almost extremely unlikely to be able to offer Stones Champions League football, with Everton officials now expecting City to lead the chase to sign a player that apparently wants to stay in the Premier League rather than move abroad.