Everton now want to pay £34m fee for seven-goal striker in instalments, says journalist

Everton now want to pay the £34m transfer fee for El Bilal Toure in instalments to make the deal more affordable.

Journalist Sacha Tavolieri reported that the Toffees had triggered the £34m release clause for the Mali international, but he now states that the Blues would prefer to pay this fee over ‘three to four instalments‘.

El Bilal Toure was influential in keeping Almeria in La Liga last year finishing as they did just one point above the relegation zone, mirroring Everton’s tightrope walk of a season.

Indeed, the 21-year-old scored seven goals and contributed two assists, producing a noteworthy performance against title-winners Barcelona, scoring the winner in a 1-0 victory.

Having met the release clause for the forward, Everton have reportedly offered Toure a five-year contract in a deal which would see him remain on Merseyside until the summer of 2028.

However, as per reports in The Guardian, while Everton are the frontrunners for his signature, Fulham remain keen on the attacker, and could ramp up efforts if they part ways with Serbian striker Aleksandar Mitrovic.

Lack of available funds at Everton could hinder El Bilal Toure move

Almeria will understandably be reluctant to lose such an influential player, but with the Blues triggering the release clause, it could well come down to the player.

However, Everton’s precarious financial position limiting them to paying the fee in instalments could be an issue if another potential suitor agrees to pay the fee upfront.

Seven goals in 21 games is an impressive return for a 21-year-old forward and it is no wonder that Almeria are eager to recoup as much from him as they can.

El Bilal Toure could be a superb signing for Everton and he may fill that Richarlison-shaped gap in the club’s attack, but it remains to be seen whether or not Fulham may put in a counter offer.