Everton enquire about £52million-rated Frankfurt striker Randal Kolo Muani
Randal Kolo Muani was the subject of an enquiry from Everton as the club look to address their attacking issues, according to RMC Sport.
The French forward scored his first international goal in the World Cup semi final against Morocco, and missed in the penalty shootout loss to Argentina in the final.
His showing in Qatar has seen his value rise to €60million (£52million), and interest develop from Bayern Munich, while L’Equipe reported on Monday (2 January) that Manchester United were preparing a January bid of that size.
According to RMC Sport, the management at Eintracht Frankfurt are privately looking to make him their record sale if he leaves, topping the fee for Luka Jovic to Real Madrid for just over €60million.
In that context, Everton’s request for information has been completely written off, with the report suggesting that the Toffees are barking up the wrong tree as the player’s fortunes lie at a “more upscale club”.
Gazumped
Credit for identifying players who would surely help the flagging attack but for that money there is surely no chance that Everton could land the 24-year-old currently.
His eight goals and 11 assists this season for the Bundesliga side demonstrate his ability, but as soon as he scored with his first touch against Morocco at the World Cup he likely shot out of the Toffees’ ballpark.
There is frankly no point, or time, for Frank Lampard or Kevin Thelwell to feel frustration at this kind of development, as they need to move on as quickly as possible to find a solution.
The return from loan of Ellis Simms is likely to ease things slightly, but the youngster can’t be expected to cover for Dominic Calvert-Lewin alone should the number nine suffer another injury.
Demarai Gray’s stunner at Manchester City lifted some of the gloom from recent results but the fact remains that the club is currently facing another relegation battle and attacking reinforcements are needed.