Everton look set to miss out on Coventry City striker Viktor Gyokeres as Sporting CP close in on the Swedish international.
The Toffees have been consistently linked with reigniting their January interest in the ‘unbelievable’ centre-forward this summer, though competition for this signature has been fierce.
Indeed, Brentford and West Ham United both held an interest in Gyokeres alongside Everton, though it seems that the 25-year-old will now make the switch to Lisbon.
That is according to the Daily Mail, who report that the Portuguese giants are closing in on an £18.5m deal for the striker who has just one year remaining on his current contract at Coventry.
With a goal return of 23 strikes in 50 games in all competitions last season, it is no surprise that there has been a frenzy for his services this summer, and he could have been a superb addition to Sean Dyche’s squad.
Everton must acquire attacking options like Gyokeres if they miss out on striker
The Blues must invest heavily and widely in their striking options this summer with the club’s current attacking personnel lacking in both quality and numbers.
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There is no doubt of Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s class, but his fitness record makes him far too unreliable, while the insipid £15m Neal Maupay has not settled on Merseyside.
Indeed, 22-year-old academy graduate Ellis Simms, who is linked with a move away, and occasional makeshift striker Demarai Gray also linked with a move elsewhere this summer, could leave Everton with even fewer options upfront if they were to move on.
Gyokeres could well have been the solution to Everton’s goalscoring woes and his presence up top may have been ideal in a Sean Dyche side.
However, Everton will now have to turn their attention elsewhere and fans will hope that the club have a plan B in the works.
Everton cannot go into another Premier League season with their current attacking options, but who will be upfront for the Blues next season remains unclear.