Everton are now considering a move for Almeria forward El Bilal Toure this summer, as the Blues look to add pace to their forward line.
The 21-year-old forward has eight goals in 23 games in all competitions for La Liga side Almeria this season, with the speed merchant capable of sprinting at 35km/h, around as fast as a spinytail Iguana according to the Daily Mail.
Indeed, the Daily Mail also report that Everton could face competition for Toure’s signature from Thomas Frank’s Brentford side, who fear they could lose striker Ivan Toney to a lengthy ban.
Everton desperately need to strengthen upfront this coming summer with options for Sean Dyche extremely thin on the ground.
England international Dominic Calvert-Lewin recently returned from injury and has been exceptional for the Toffees of late but had to be withdrawn at half-time during Sunday’s defeat to Manchester City.
The 26-year-old’s substitution was hopefully nothing more than a precaution, as Everton travel to Wolves on Saturday looking to secure Premier League safety.
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Indeed, the second half introduction of £15m forward Neal Maupay on Sunday inhibited Everton’s attacking threat, with the Frenchman completely off the pace.
Toure could bring pace and goals back to Everton
Ellis Simms meanwhile continues to occupy the bench after his January recall from his loan deal at Sunderland, with the immediate future of the 22-year-old still unclear.
As stated in the Daily Mail’s report, El Bilal Toure is so fast that he recently teared a thigh muscle due to his rapid pace.
Everton displayed in the recent 5-1 demolition against Brighton that they are capable of playing fast, counter-attacking football, and so a speed merchant upfront would suit Sean Dyche’s style.
At just 21-years-old, the Mali international has room to grow, and could be an interesting acquisition for the Toffees, though there is no indication that Almeria would be willing to sell, or indeed at what price.