Everton have joined the race to sign Callum Hudson-Odoi.
That’s according to the Evening Standard, who have reported that the Toffees will now look to hjiack Fulham’s move for the winger.
Hudson-Odoi looked set to be one of England’s elite when he first started his career at Chelsea, making 22 appearances in the 2019-20 Premier League season before he was the subject of a loan bid with the option to buy for £70 million from Bayern Munich.
The ‘incredible’ then 18-year-old signed a new five-year deal at a whopping £180,000- a-week to steer off interest, however he has since failed to live up to his lucrative salary.
Hudson-Odoi’s declining form resulted in a loan spell at Bayer Leverkusen last season, where he scored only one goal in 21 appearances in all competitions.
With only one year left on his mega contract, the 22-year-old is set for a departure from Stamford Bridge and has reportedly already verbally agreed terms over a move to Craven Cottage.
MORE EVERTON STORIES
Hudson-Odoi is willing to take a significant pay cut to leave Chelsea, however Fulham’s attempts have hit a stumbling block as they are reportedly not willing to meet the Blues’ £8m valuation.
Everton could now look to jump in and lure Hudson-Odoi to Merseyside, while Nottingham Forest have also expressed interest in the attacker.
Would Callum Hudson-Odoi improve the Everton attack?
The Toffees are still desperate to bolster their attack after a disappointing performance at Villa Park at the weekend that saw them ship in four goals. Sean Dyche’s side were once again forced to play without Dominic Calvert-Lewin after he was subbed off with a cheekbone injury.
Everton remain interested in Wilfried Gnonto but look to Hudson-Odoi as a much cheaper alternative. However, Fulham’s recent £46m sale of Aleksandar Mitrovic may put them in the driving seat.
Everton would need Hudson-Odoi to quickly rediscover his previous form if he was to be a success at Goodison Park, with the Chelsea academy graduate only netting 17 goals in almost 150 senior appearances.