Everton are ahead of West London outfit Fulham in the race to sign Almeria striker El Bilal Toure this summer, according to The Guardian.
The Toffees have long been linked with a move for the Mali international after a solid campaign in La Liga last season, scoring seven goals and registering two assists leading to plenty of interest from several other clubs across Europe.
According to the report [4 July] it’s believed that Fulham are one of the Premier League clubs interested in the player’s services should star man Aleksandr Mitrovic depart Craven Cottage this summer, but the Toffees are currently the frontrunners.
Toure holds a €40m [£34.3m] release clause, which Everton are willing to trigger according to reliable Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri [3 July].
Get him in
Everton’s desperate need for attacking reinforcements were made evidently clear by their dreadful goalscoring record last season, hitting just 34 goals in 38 games – the second-worst record in the division.
It’s no secret that Sean Dyche is desperate to add one or two strikers to his ranks this summer, and Toure represents an exciting opportunity for Everton to explore.
Almeria star Toure certainly represents an upgrade on Maupay, scoring seven times in only 15 La Liga starts last term, as well as being a 13-cap Mali international, which suggests the Toffees are eyeing up an exciting piece of business this summer.
With the club facing some hefty restrictions in regards to their spending this summer, this deal may arouse some considerable complications, although, it’s been reported that the Toffees want to spread payment for Toure over three or four instalments due to their FFP restrictions which may tempt Almeria who are in financial constraints of their own.
Known for his terrifying and electric pace, and his knack for the spectacular in an Almeria shirt on last season’s evidence, it’s no wonder why the La Liga club have slapped a £30m-plus price tag on his back.
If Everton have the wiggle room to cough up much of the cash, then this is one they must get done this summer.
