Kelechi Iheanacho set to join Nottingham Forest as Everton lose race for Leicester City striker
Everton have been dealt a blow in the race to sign Leicester striker Kelechi Iheanacho after it emerged he is on the verge of joining Nottingham Forest.
The Nigerian international was relegated with the Foxes in the 2022/23 season and is expected to leave the club this summer, with the Toffees linked with a bid last month.
But despite reported late interest from Jose Mourinho and Roma, Iheanacho has opted to join Steve Cooper and Forest in an £8m deal according to a new report from Own Goal Nigeria (1 July).
“Barring any last minute hiccup Kelechi Iheanacho will join English Premier League side Nottingham Forest from relegated Leicester City on a four-year deal, OwnGoalNigeria.com can exclusively reveal,” they wrote.
“A fee in the region of £8m is said to have been agreed upon between both parties according to sources close to the 26 year old.
“A late push by AS Roma which was widely reported was knocked back by his camp despite the fact Jose Mourinho wanted him at the Serie A side and even held talks with his representatives. Iheanacho’s desire is to remain in England, where he is fully settled.”
Blow
Another striker target named, another striker target missed out on by Everton and the board in a summer where it’s never been more important to sign one.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin simply can’t be trusted to lead the line at Goodison Park anymore when we don’t know how available he will be due to his fitness issues, while Neal Maupay simply isn’t good enough, Ellis Simms is likely to leave and Tom Cannon just isn’t ready yet.
Iheanacho has never been a full on goalscorer in England but his link up play has always been very good and technically he is more than capable of linking up with midfielders and bringing others into play.
That could work well for a Sean Dyche side, but he’s now going to a likely relegation rival for the new season and that’s a huge blow in preparation for Everton. Another one bites the dust, and a striker is still more than needed.
In other Everton news, talks take place for attacker as Fabrizio Romano shares new transfer update.