Wolves join Everton in battle to sign Moussa Dembele after Lyon exit development
Everton are facing competition from Premier League rivals Wolves in the race to sign Moussa Dembele, according to the Express & Star.
French striker Dembele is nearing the end of his contract at Ligue 1 side Lyon and is set to depart on a free transfer.
The Toffees are in the hunt for more firepower next term with Dominic Calvert-Lewin having struggled with injuries and Neal Maupay having flopped as Sean Dyche’s men just about staved off relegation.
Fabrizio Romano reported on 17 June (GiveMeSport) that Everton are in an “open race” with Galatasaray and clubs in Italy – including Champions League runners-up Inter – for Dembele.
The Express & Star now reports Wolves are also rivals. Julen Lopetegui’s side are in the market for a striker with doubts over the future of Raul Jimenez and Diego Costa having been released.
Get this one done
Dembele only managed three Ligue 1 goals in an injury-hit campaign last term but on his day he is a top-quality operator in European football.
Moreover, in a summer where Everton are shopping for bargains and loans, Dembele really fits that bill.
Physicality, pace, and good positional play are hallmarks of Dembele’s games and Everton need more in the top end of the pitch, while he has experience of playing in England have previously represented Fulham.
If they can get Calvert-Lewin fit and firing then that will obviously alleviate some of those needs but it remains a big if.
Maupay has been nothing short of a shambles in an Everton shirt and youngster Ellis Simms may depart this window with clubs in the Championship sniffing around the forward who had a spell on loan at Sunderland last term.
There is likely to be competition but Everton need to do all they can to get this one over the line.