Everton could now hijack Roma’s £25m deal to sign one of Europe’s best goalscoring midfielders

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Everton made Thierno Barry their second signing of the summer transfer window earlier this week.

Thierno Barry joined Everton in a £27m transfer from Villarreal, and he is expected to lead the line for David Moyes this season.

Moyes still wants another striker, with Millwall’s 20-year-old frontman Mihailo Ivanovic heavily linked to Finch Farm.

Ivanovic has recently changed agents, which is usually a telling sign that a player is open to leaving, so perhaps that transfer could materialise over the coming weeks.

Now, there is a fresh transfer rumour emerging out of Everton, and this time it’s to a midfielder overseas.

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Everton could hijack Roma’s deal to sign Neil El Aynaoui

Everton have been in the market for a goalscoring midfielder since Moyes returned to the club at the turn of the year.

Moyes admitted he wanted to add a Marouane Fellaini-type player to his squad, and now it appears as though he’s found his man.

According to TEAMtalk, Everton have asked Lens for information about their highly-rated star Neil El Aynaoui.

The French outfit values El Aynaoui at around £25m and it’s understood that Everton’s sister club Roma have already agreed personal terms with the 24-year-old.

The Italian club are in a strong position to sign him, however, the Friedkins are also eyeing Richard Rios, so there is a scenario where they actually allow the Toffees to hijack the deal.

Neil Al Aynaoui one of Europe’s best goalscoring midfielders

Al Aynaoui is statistically one of the best goalscoring midfielders in Europe as he ranks in the top three per cent for non-penalty goals per 90 compared to his positional peers, as per FBref.

The 2001-born netted eight goals last season, with six of those coming in his last 11 outings, so he really hit form heading into the summer.

He also excels defensively, as he sits in the top five per cent for blocks and six per cent for interceptions per 90.

Evidently, Al Aynaoui embodies everything Moyes wants in a midfielder, so it wouldn’t at all be surprising if Everton are preparing a bid.

They’re in a strong position given that the Friedkins already know what terms he wants.