Tom Krauß makes £4.3m transfer decision amid Everton hunt to sign him – Sky Sports journalist
Everton have seemingly missed out on Tom Krauß after RB Leipzig reached a verbal agreement with Mainz, Sky Sports Germany reporter Philipp Hinze has said.
The Toffees were last month credited with an interest in the German midfielder (Sky Germany, 29 May), who spent last season on loan at Schalke.
However, German publication Kicker reported (29 June) Mainz as his next destination and Sky journalist Hinze followed up to say a deal in the region of £4.3 to £6million is set to be agreed between the clubs.
“#RBL: Tom Krauß verbally agrees with @1FSVMainz05. Both clubs now have to find a financial solution. @RBLeipzig imagine a transfer package of €5-7 million,” Hinze posted on Twitter.
“@Everton also showed interest recently.”
Another target falls by the wayside
After Everton narrowly escaped relegation from the Premier League by the skin of their teeth last season, it was imperative they acted quickly in the transfer market to avoid another scrap at the bottom.
Well, that simply is not happening at Goodison Park with off-field investment from MSP still yet to be formally ratified and perhaps holding things up.
It means the Toffees are seeing their top targets move elsewhere. Coventry City striker Viktor Gyokeres appears destined for Sporting CP, Leeds United forward Rodrigo Moreno is seemingly headed for Qatar, and now Krauß looks set to remain in Germany.
Sean Dyche must be pretty frustrated at the lack of activity at Goodison Park and will soon be seeking some assurances that Everton, whose hands are tied somewhat as they walk an FFP tightrope, will be making moves soon.
If they do not get active then Everton risk being left behind and feeding off scraps at the end of the window.
In other Everton news, the Toffees are ready to sell Demarai Gray if the right offer comes in.