Everton could be set to lose race for Brekalo with Lille progressing talks

Everton could be set to miss out on Wolfsburg winger Josip Brekalo this summer with Lille said to have stolen a march.

It was reported by the Express last week that the Blues had scouted the Croatia international, with the forward having impressed in the Bundesliga this season.

Everton are determined to sign a winger this summer and 22-year old Brekalo fits the profile for what Marcel Brands is looking for in a new recruit.

However according to a new report from TuttoMercatoWeb, Ligue 1 outfit Lille have leaped ahead of the pack in the race for Brekalo, having made progress over a possible summer switch.

The French club are in contact with Brekalo’s representatives and are intent on accelerating talks with the hopes of concluding business over the coming days.

TMW also claim that Brekalo has emerged as a target for Serie A club Roma, with Jose Mourinho having taken an interest in the promising wide man.

Not much time to waste

Everton desperately need an injection of pace and ability on their flanks heading into next season, European football or not, and Brekalo does fit the profile.

Given his age and the fact that Brekalo recently refused to confirm that he would remain with Wolfsburg beyond the current season, it stands to reason that a player with his skillset would attract plenty of interest.

Should Lille continue to progress talks with the player it will be down to Ancelotti to make a decision on whether to enter the ring, with the club’s current wide players not cutting it.

James Rodriguez has shown that he is more influential when playing through the centre, Bernard appears destined to leave Goodison Park this summer and Alex Iwobi’s long-term future is unclear.

Ultimately Ancelotti must decide whether Brekalo has the right personality to bring to Goodison Park, with a player’s character now equally as important as his ability on the ball.

In other Everton news, the Blues are in the hunt to sign proven Premier League centre-forward valued at £30million.

Be sure to follow Goodison News on Facebook and Twitter for 24/7 updates on Everton and more exclusive interviews with Kevin Campbell.