Everton may have to agree a deal now for FC Cincinnati’s Brandon Vazquez ahead of a January move.
That’s according to The Athletic, who claim the MLS club would only allow the forward to leave at the end of the year.
The 24-year-old was on fire for Cincinnati last season, netting 19 goals and picking up eight assists in only 35 matches.
He has continued his fine form into the current campaign, bagging four goals so far.
Having already sold Brenner to Udinese, the Ohio outfit are now reluctant to let Vazquez leave and will only open discussions if it means selling him in January.
Vazquez has been linked with a number of clubs including Borussia Monchengladbach, and told Daily Mail earlier in the season that he has ‘always’ wanted to play in Europe.
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Cincinnati previously turned down a £5.9 million bid from Mexican club Chivas, however they could be willing to lower their valuation if Vazquez demands a move.
Everton’s main priority should be a summer signing – not Brandon Vazquez
Everton desperately need to bolster their attack, with Neal Maupay and Ellis Simms looking highly likely to leave Goodison Park.
While a low fee for Vazquez in January could be tempting, the Toffees need their main focus to be on bringing a forward in this summer.
With Fabrizio Romano already confirming that Everton are chasing Moussa Dembele, they should look to snap up a guaranteed European goalscorer who can kickstart their campaign before looking at cheaper alternatives.
If Vazquez is still available towards the end of the window, then they could consider a January move for him as back-up to the potential attacker they have already splashed the cash on.
While there is little risk in spending a seven-figure sum on the American, it would be no surprise to see a player move from the MLS to the Premier League and fail. Brenden Aaronson, Jozy Altidore and Cincinnati’s Matt Miazga are perfect examples.