Report: 22-goal forward in Everton snub, claims move ‘doesn’t interest’ him

FC Porto forward Mehdi Taremi has now revealed that he has previously rejected approaches from Premier League clubs, and does not fancy a move to Everton.

The 30-year-old striker has confirmed that he turned down a move to Newcastle United prior to their Saudi takeover as he didn’t anticipate them becoming a Champions League side.

Instead, the Iranian international chose to remain at FC Porto, where he has continued his exceptional form, scoring 22 goals in 33 games last season.

Indeed, Taremi has now attracted the interest of Sean Dyche’s side, but the centre-forward has confirmed that a move to Goodison Park ‘doesn’t interest’ him.

Speaking with Iranian outlet Varzesh 3, Taremi said: “At that time, I didn’t imagine that they (Newcastle United) would get such a good team that would qualify for the Champions League. They were fighting not to go down.

I thought that staying at FC Porto was better. And we had many games in the Champions League, I couldn’t lose that. Now there is an opportunity, but even now, for example, Everton’s offer doesn’t interest me.”

Taremi Everton snub indicative of transfer struggle for those not competing in Europe

Everton need to invest heavily in their forward line this summer and Taremi’s goal record speaks for itself, with 80 goals in all competitions across three seasons in Portugal.

However, the Blues need players who actually want to represent the club, and if Taremi isn’t interested, then Everton will have to look elsewhere.

Indeed, the 30-year-old’s snub is the latest rejection, after Coventry City forward Viktor Gyokeres favoured a move to Sporting CP rather that Everton, with an £18.5m deal agreed.

However, with a £34m bid tabled for Almeria striker El Bilal Toure, perhaps Everton could land their first signing of the Sean Dyche era very soon.

At least one capable goalscorer is a must this summer if Everton want to avoid a third successive relegation fight.