Everton receive reply after £7.2m bid made for Norwich ace Marcelino Nunez

Everton have had a £7.2million bid rejected by Norwich City for Chilean midfielder Marcelino Nunez, according to La Tercera.

The Chilean news outlet reported on 3 January that the Toffees have had their initial approach for South American ace Nunez rejected with Everton clearly in the market to sign a midfielder following previous links to Lyon's Maxence Caqueret (GiveMeSport).

It is said that Everton have identified Nunez as a player who fits their midfield profile perfectly but the Chilean's importance to Norwich will be showcased in their asking price.

Given the underwhelming campaign endured by the Toffees, January recruitment will be crucial and they may be boosted financially by the potential exit of Ben Godfrey at Atalanta, as the Liverpool Echo reported they have a sell-on clause.

Everton should be exploring the Championship in January

While there could be some funds available to utilise in the transfer window, prices across Europe are often massively inflated and so Championship shopping can often be beneficial.

Nunez is a fantastic player at that level with the capabilities to perform in the Premier League and the Toffees could probably pick him up for a relatively minor fee.

Some of the biggest success stories in recent years have come from the Championship with the likes of Jarrod Bowen at West Ham a perfect example.

Wherever they do look, the ability to bring in some new faces is paramount for Everton and it could dictate not only the season but also the future of Sean Dyche.

It is vital that Everton conduct some early business in a bid to steer away from yet another relegation battle which would leave a stain on the CV of the recently installed Friedkin Group ownership.

In other Everton news, Dyche has been told what to do if Neal Maupay returns to the club.

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