Everton set to miss out on Parma-bound Zirkzee – Fabrizio Romano
Everton target Joshua Zirkzee is set to join Serie A strugglers Parma on loan with a view to a permanent transfer, according to Sky Sports Italy’s Fabrizio Romano.
The Blues were said to be closing in on a move for the 19-year-old Bayern Munich striker earlier in January [talkSPORT] but it appears that they have been beaten to the punch with the Dutch U-21 international agreeing personal terms with Parma.
Zirkzee has only appeared three times for Bayern in the Bundesliga this season despite notching an impressive four goals in 295 minutes of league action last campaign [WhoScored] in addition to helping the German giants on their way to Champions League glory.
Romano revealed on his personal Twitter account that Zirkee’s loan move to Parma is complete, with an option to purchase him permanently for £13.3million.
The transfer guru says personal terms have been agreed so it looks like Everton will almost certainly miss out barring any last-minute hiccups.
Only one team (Arsenal – 26) in the top half of the Premier League table have scored fewer goals than Everton’s 29 so far this season so a new addition to the striking department would have been welcomed.
Limited striking options…
This is sure to be news that will disappoint Blues fans with a lack of cover for star striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin a huge concern.
With Cenk Tosun out-of-favour and heading for the Everton exit door there will be no senior striking options left at the club aside from Calvert-Lewin and this is a big blow as Carlo Ancelotti’s side launch a second half of the season assault for the Premier League European places.
The Blues suffered a disappointing 2-0 Goodison Park loss to Newcastle United on Saturday but they are still on the coattails of the likes of Leicester City and West Ham with games in hand.
However the lack of goals in the front line is an issue.
Calvert-Lewin has 11 Premier League goals this season but none since December 5 as he has failed to fire in his last seven.
Everton’s next top scorer is James Rodriguez all the way down with four goals while Richarlison is likely to deputies up front in the absence of the England international but he only has two league goals this season.
Zirkzee would have been a slight risk given his youthful years and lack of experience but he certainly would have brought a goal scoring instinct and it is something that could end up costing the Blues.
In other Everton news, see our exclusive interview with Kevin Campbell on the expected exit of Blues outcast Cenk Tosun.