Everton are set to miss out on El Bilal Toure to Atalanta.
That’s according to Fabrizio Romano, who has reported that Atalanta are close to signing the Almeria striker in a €31 million deal (£26.7m).
The Serie A club will pay a €28m fixed fee with €3m add-ons, while Almeria have inserted a 15% sell-on clause into Toure’s long-term contract.
Toure is scheduled for a medical this week, meaning Everton are likely to miss out on another of their attacking targets.
The Toffees had shown interest in signing the forward over the last couple of months, while reports had claimed they had submitted a £34 million bid for his services.
However, that looks very unlikely as Atalanta prepare to pay £7m less than their reported offer.
MORE EVERTON STORIES
Toure joins Atalanta after netting seven goals in La Liga last season, as well as scoring the only goal in their first ever win against Barcelona in February.
El Bilal Toure move to Atalanta is a blow for Everton
Rumours of El Bilal Toure’s move to Everton had been circulating rapidly in recent weeks, with various reports claiming they were closing in on a deal.
However, the Mali international is now set to move to Italy – leaving the Toffees back to square one in their hunt for a new striker.
Everton have been linked with a move for Boulaye Dia, though it would be a surprise to see them continue their pursuit after they failed to pay his release clause before it expired last week.
With less than three weeks until Everton take on Fulham in their Premier League opener, fans will be desperate to see another attacker join Arnaut Danjuma among the ranks.
The Dutchman could well adopt the number nine role if needed, though Sean Dyche won’t want to have to rely on him when they need an out and out goalscorer to challenge Dominic Calvert-Lewin.