Amir Richardson bids emerge as Everton position themselves in transfer race for Olympics star

Everton are prominent in the race to sign Amir Richardson but his transfer value has increased with a successful Olympic campaign with Morocco, according to L'Equipe.

The French outlet reported via their website on 7 August that Reims now want €12million [£10.3m] excluding bonuses for the midfielder who made five appearances for his country at the Paris games.

Everton are one of four sides named in the hunt for the 22-year-old as having positioned themselves for a deal along with Ajax, Roma and Fiorentina, with offers said to have already been made to sign him worth €9m [£7.74m].

Richardson has a contract until 2027 at the Ligue 1 side as Sean Dyche looks to replace Amadou Onana in central midfield.

Sean Dyche wants Everton to sign Amadou Onana replacement

Another central midfielder remains on the agenda despite the arrival of Tim Iroegbunam from Aston Villa since Onana and Andre Gomes have departed.

Kalvin Phillips appears to be a prominent option for Dyche [TEAMtalk, 22 July], although various names have been linked, but it seems Richardson could be on the move.

Even at the increased price since his showing at the Olympics it wouldn't be a particularly expensive deal but as the likes of Phillips from Manchester City and Lesley Ugochukwu from Chelsea [Foot Mercato, 13 July] are expected to be loan pursuits it is unclear if the cash is currently available for another permanent signing.

Iroegbunam, Iliman Ndiaye and Jake O'Brien have already been purchased but it it may take more sales to fund further incoming deals, with exits predicted before anyone else comes in [Alan Myers, 5 August].

Richardson made 28 Ligue 1 appearances in his first season in the French top flight after moving from Le Havre although not always as a starter.

Equally, Onana wasn't guaranteed a place in the first XI by the end of his time at Goodison Park and the Reims man has the profile of a player who could generate a decent profit if sold on after a few seasons.

It appears the race for him is hotting up and the Toffees are well placed so he could end up being the man to fill the gap in midfield if things fall the right way.

In other Everton news, the Toffees pulled out of another transfer pursuit after having a big-money bid thrown out.

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