PSV Eindhoven attacker Johan Bakayoko is looking increasingly likely to seal a move away from the Eredivisie this summer.
The Belgian international has been linked with a move to Everton alongside a host of clubs around Europe.
Napoli and PSG have been interested in his signature, while Premier League sides Crystal Palace and Newcastle United are also reportedly in the running.
Journalist Sacha Tavolieri tweeted that Everton want to join the race for the sought-after 20-year-old as despite the reported asking price of £25.7m.
Indeed, Bakayoko looks increasingly likely to join a new club before the end of the window, with Fabrizio Romano tweeting there is a ‘concrete chance’ he will leave PSV Eindhoven.
Romano tweeted: “Understand there’s concrete chance to see Johan Bakayoko leaving PSV in the final days of the window with clubs now pushing.
This is likely due to Hirving Lozano who’s on the verge of joining PSV Eindhoven – his return from Napoli is imminent.”
Everton unlikely to seduce Bakayoko without European football
Bakayoko is a highly rated young talent and could be an exciting addition to Sean Dyche’s squad, but with Champions League teams chasing his signature, it seems unlikely that Everton would win this race.
However, should PSG land Bakayoko, the Parisians could allow Everton target Hugo Ekitike to move on before the end of the window, with West Ham also reportedly interested in the Frenchman.
The Toffees have strengthened in attack today, with Portuguese striker Beto joining from Serie A side Udinese for a reported £26m.
The 25-year-old becomes Sean Dyche’s fifth signing of the summer as the transfer window enters its final week, joining Youssef Chermiti in Everton’s new look forward line.
However, Everton are yet to recruit a centre-back but have been linked with a move for Borussia Monchengladbach defender Nico Elvedi.