Everton set Michail Antonio transfer blow as Leeds United and Celtic news drops
Everton could be set to miss out on yet another striker this summer, with Leeds United and Celtic set to battle for Michail Antonio’s signature as the West Ham man pushes for an exit, according to Football Transfers.
The football news website shared on 7 August that Antonio wants to move away from East London this summer, with plenty of suitors watching the situation, one of which could be Everton, although Leeds and Celtic are leading the race as things stand.
Antonio was linked with a move to Goodison Park by The Guardian [2 August], who claimed Sean Dyche intends to replace the departing Demarai Gray with his Jamaican international teammate.
Dyche is keen to bolster Everton’s attacking options this summer, as the club looks to improve on the 34 goals they scored last season, which was the second-lowest Premier League tally.
Antonio scored 14 goals in all competitions last season, eclipsing the combined total of 3 achieved by duo Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Neal Maupay in a pitiful showing from the pair. Calvert-Lewin’s injury struggles contributed to his lack of goals, but also to Everton’s need for a replacement.
Should the Toffees be beaten to Antonio’s signature, it will add to a list of what has become a worrying trend at Goodison Park, as they have missed out on deals for several strikers this summer already.
Coventry City forward Viktor Gyokeres sealed a move to Sporting, Almeria forward El Bilal Toure moved to Atalanta, Sheffield United star Illiman Ndiaye moved to Marseille, Swansea striker Joel Piroe looks set to remain in South Wales, and Chuba Akpom is the subject of an £8million bid from Sheffield United.
Antonio would be an interesting addition to Dyche’s side as, on paper, he is a Dyche-esque striker. The type of physical presence the boss wants to have in his team. He would support the role of new 19-year-old Youssef Chermiti who is set to sign in the coming days.
This is certainly another one to watch
In other Everton news, the club are set to announce a new signing today.