Dan Carter

Tue 25 July 2023 7:30, UK

Everton are refusing to give up in their pursuit of Malian striker El Bilal Toure with the 21-year-old striker possibly set to go to auction this summer, according to Gazzetta Dello Sport.

The Italian newspaper reported in its print edition [24 July, pg 20] that the talented young forward has been blocked from moving away from Almeria for a month having made an agreement with his agent to depart, with Atlanta now said to be closing in on his services.

Everton, however, are not giving up hope of beating the Italian clubs to the striker’s signature and there is an expectation that any bid presented for the forward will begin an auction-like approach from the Toffees, attempting to match or outbid any potential competition.

There is a belief that any potential deal could advance quickly, to try and prevent Sean Dyche’s side from being able to outbid their opponents, yet the Toffees will still not give up.

Other reports early on 24 July have suggested that a deal has already been agreed with Atlanta, with Fabrizio Romano suggesting that a here we go is coming soon.

On the back foot

While the signing of Arnaut Danjuma saw Everton finally be assertive in the transfer market, going out and getting their man quickly (even if six months later than planned), the Toffees move for Toure seems to be another example of the Merseyside outfit falling behind competitors.

They may remain optimistic that they can secure the services of the Malian forward, but the recent reports seem to suggest that they are having to play catch-up with those already much closer to securing his signature.

There’s no doubt Toure would be an exciting signing, viewed as one of the best young forwards in world football and his seven goals in only 15 La Liga starts last season have only increased his value to both Almeria and any potential suitors.

Everton need goals, and they need them through the door quickly, Danjuma provides one added source, but if Dyche can bring in one of the game’s hottest properties, it will go a long way to lifting the mood at what has been a melancholy Goodison Park in recent seasons.

But alternatively, we did see a similar move when Moise Keane came to Everton, then labelled as one of Europe’s next great strikers. He couldn’t find his form in England, so even if the Toffees are to miss out on their man, it won’t necessarily be all doom and gloom.

In other Everton news, there has been much uncertainty surrounding who Arnuat Danjuma should replace at Goodison