Everton want to sign West Ham United forward Michail Antonio as Demarai Gray replacement amid verbal agreement
Everton want to sign West Ham striker Michail Antonio to replace Demarai Gray after reaching a verbal agreement with Fulham, according to The Guardian.
Writing on their official website (2 August), the newspaper report that the Toffees intend to sign the Jamaica international forward as a replacement for Gray, who is edging towards a transfer to Fulham.
Sky Sports report that there is a “verbal agreement” in place between Everton and the Cottagers for a move for Gray, but he won’t be allowed to leave until a replacement has been brought in.
“Everton intend to replace the Fulham-bound Demarai Gray in their attack with West Ham’s Michail Antonio,” they wrote.
Better
If you looked across the Premier League for a striker that suits the way Sean Dyche likes to play most, there aren’t many strikers who will fit the bill more than Antonio.
A physically strong forward who can hold the ball up, run the channels well and scores goals regularly, he would slot straight into this team and be the perfect outlet for the likes of Arnaut Danjuma and Dwight McNeil to get in goalscoring positions.
The only issue is the fact that he’s 33-years-old, but he would surely be competing for a spot with Dominic Calvert-Lewin anyway, and is also versatile enough to play out wide.
His fitness record has improved in recent seasons too, and with Youssef Chermiti seemingly close to a move he could ease the pressure on the youngster too.
It seems like a sensible signing and while Gray’s exit would be a blow, this would be a good short-term replacement for the next season or two while we look ahead.
In other Everton news, Euro club are “trying very hard” to sign Tofees ace this summer.