Everton have made a verbal €35 million plus add-ons bid for Paris Saint-Germain striker Hugo Ekitike, according to Sportzone.
The Toffees are keen on adding the French youth international this summer, but face competition from Premier League rivals West Ham United and Bundesliga club Eintracht Frankfurt.
Everton are in the market for a new striker, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin constantly battling injuries. He is currently fit, playing 45 minutes in their last two pre-season games, but they need insurance.
The Englishman admitted he has been stuck in a vicious cycle of injuries but will hope for a reset this season.
However, the Merseyside club will be wise to pick up a striker to replace Calvert-Lewin if he is on the sidelines again. They have set their sights on Ekitike.
Ekitike joined PSG last summer on a loan deal that became permanent this year for around €30 million.
He struggled in his first season at the Parc des Princes, netting only four times in 32 appearances.
However, he has looked brilliant in pre-season, showing he is ready to lead the line for the Ligue 1 champions.
Despite his struggles in his first season at PSG, his potential has suitors circling for his signature.
West Ham have lost Gianluca Scamacca, who joined Atalanta this summer after struggling in England. They have Ekitike on their list of replacements for the Italian.
Eintracht Frankfurt have also eyed Ekitike as a target. They are pushing for Montpellier’s Elye Wahi, although they face competition from Atletico Madrid, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur.
It remains unclear whether PSG will let the striker go, but the signing of Goncalo Ramos from Benfica could push him down the pecking order.
He may not want to play back up for the second season running.
