Everton are interested in signing Troyes striker Mama Balde.
According to TalkSport, Everton are turning their attentions to Mama Balde, who is thought to be available for £7 million, having had their £12 million bid for Che Adams rejected by Southampton.
Burnley and Sheffield United have both also considered making a move for the Troyes forward.
Balde enjoyed a fine season last time out. The 27-year-old notched 12 goals in Ligue 1, but ultimately couldn’t prevent Troyes from suffering relegation from the top flight.
The 19-cap Guinea-Bissau international has been praised for his recent development. Troyes teammate Tristan Dingome has given his verdict on Balde’s progress, saying “he helps us when he has his back to goal, and he’s improved a lot on last year. In training he’s difficult to handle. He’s really strong and is the archetype of the modern striker,” as quoted by the official Ligue 1 website.
As something of a late bloomer, Balde looks ready to prove himself at a higher level. He certainly needs to secure a move this summer to avoid a campaign in the second tier of French football at this stage in his career.
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Balde not the hopeful gamble Everton should be making
If Everton are set to give up on their pursuit of Adams, then they need to pivot to another striker target quickly. Sean Dyche will be well aware of how urgent the need to bring a reliable goalscorer to Goodison Park this summer is.
Despite the arrivals of Arnaut Danjuma, Jack Harrison, and Youssef Chermiti, more firepower is needed for the Toffees. However, swooping for Balde would represent a significant risk.
Whilst the player had a standout campaign last time out, he may well not be of the calibre that Everton require.
With the relegation trouble that Everton have found themselves in in recent seasons, it is high time for them to make the kind of statement signing that will signify their ambition to make real improvement. A hopeful punt on Balde would not be that.