Everton ‘in exciting Vangelis Pavlidis chase’ as release clause details emerge
Everton have identified Vangelis Pavlidis as a summer transfer target as they look to reshape their attack.
David Moyes is in desperate need of reinforcements to his forward line with Dominic Calvert-Lewin set to leave on a free transfer at the end of the season.
The likes of Jesper Lindstrom, Jack Harrison and Dwight McNeil have struggled to provide goals, with the latter suffering from injury issues throughout the campaign.
Beto has been the only attacker to thrive under the Scotsman but his contributions have dried up after a run of five goals in five games.
Everton join Pavlidis chase with Premier League rivals
The Friedkin Group are set to back Moyes in the transfer window as he rebuilds the Blues squad to take them up the league table.
A report from TBR Football (10 April) claims that Everton have joined the chase for Pavlidis to rival the likes of Newcastle, Nottingham Forest, Fulham and West Ham for his services.
However, it states that Benfica will seek the striker’s full release clause of approximately £80million because they are not willing to sell the 26-year-old, who has hit double figures in the last six seasons.
Pavlidis move would be great for Everton
The release clause is steep but if the Blues could sort a deal with the Portuguese side for their star striker, it would be a great start to their summer business.
The Greek international is a proven goalscorer and he has demonstrated those talents this season, with 14 goals in the Liga Portugal and seven strikes in the Champions League.
| Stats (All competitions) | Pavlidis |
| Matches | 46 |
| Goals | 24 |
| Assists | 10 |
| Minutes played | 2,967 |
Those exploits in Europe’s premier competition suggest that he would not struggle to adapt to the Premier League if he was to make the move to the Bramley-Moore Dock Stadium.
If Moyes is to take the Toffees towards European qualification, he needs a top-quality number nine and Pavlidis definitely fits the bill.
The Blues are set for a summer rebuild in several positions but they must ensure that the forward line is the priority, as it has been the most underwhelming aspect of their squad by a considerable margin.