Callum O'Connell

Wed 9 August 2023 13:10, UK

Everton have concrete interest in Paris Saint-Germain striker Hugo Ekitike, with negotiations taking place over a possible loan deal with an option to buy, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The journalist shared an update on 9 August, in which he reported that the terms and numbers involved in the deal are yet to be discussed, with the deal still in the early stages with both PSG and the player.

It was also suggested that the option to buy Ekitike at the end of his loan deal could also become a mandatory clause, meaning Everton would be guaranteed to make the deal permanent at the end of the season.

Ekitike may not be the only striker signing this summer, with Sporting CP attacker Youssef Chermiti now in the final stages of his move to Goodison Park.

A very exciting option

The PSG striker provides an exciting option for the Toffees, having won Ligue 1 with PSG last season after the French giants spent £24.5million on signing him just last season.

This price tag does suggest that PSG will be looking to make at least their money back on the player, in an expensive deal for the Merseyside club.

On paper, Ekitike is very much a Sean Dyche-style player, standing at 6ft2 and able to hold up play and bring those around him into the game. He would be able to provide another option for a target player up front if Dominic Calvert-Lewin continues to struggle with injuries.

Everton are set to sign 19-year-old Youssef Chermiti from Sporting but also want a more experienced option to support their new signing, and despite Ekitike’s age (he is only 21), he has five seasons of professional football including a title-winning campaign under his belt.

Ekitike has impressed so far in PSG’s pre-season campaign, despite his limited minutes, scoring a goal in their 2-0 win over Le Havre, and scoring and assisting in their 3-2 loss against Cerezo Osaka.

In other Everton news, the club are in the final stages of a transfer but he may not arrive in time for Fulham.