Journalist now says Qatari club could beat Everton in race to sign £3m player this summer

Everton could lose out on the signing of Leeds United attacker Rodrigo Moreno this summer, with Saudi Arabian club Al Rayyan interested.

Indeed, it was recently reported by Spanish news outlet Cadena COPE that the 32-year-old has a £3m release clause following Leeds United’s relegation to the Championship.

Moreno was linked with a return to his native Spain, until a deal with Sevilla fell through, providing Everton with a boost in their pursuit of the attacker.

However, journalist Bruno Andrade has now claimed that Qatari side Al Rayyan are the favorites to land his signature, while there is also interest from fellow Premier League side Fulham.

While a £3m transfer fee should well be in Everton’s financial range this summer, no doubt the Blues would not be prepared to match a potentially substantial salary proposed by Al Rayyan.

Everton can offer Moreno Premier League Football, but cannot compete financially

Sean Dyche’s side would lack the financial clout to compete with such cash-rich competitors, but Rodrigo may want to continue playing at Premier League level, which would give Everton an advantage.

The Spanish international, who has just one year remaining on his current contract, scored 13 Premier League goals for Leeds last season, almost twice as many as Everton’s top scorer Dwight McNeil, who managed seven.

Indeed, with a further two goals in the FA Cup, Rodrigo scored 15 goals overall in 35 games at Elland Road last season, though managed just two assists during that time.

His eye for goal would be an enormous boost for the Blues who scored just 34 Premier League goals in the whole of last season, an issue that must be rectified this summer.

Despite his age, Rodrigo would be a decent addition to Sean Dyche’s side, provided Everton can attract him to Goodison Park.