Everton transfer news: Ronald Koeman targets Sevilla star Fernando Llorente as a replacement for Romelu Lukaku
Toffees manager lines up move for ex-Juventus hitman after falling short in Graziano Pelle and Arkadiusz Milik bids
EVERTON are reportedly lining up a summer move for Sevilla ace Fernando Llorente.
New Toffees boss Ronald Koeman is ready to splash the cash at Goodison Park after joining from Southampton, and a new striker is high on the Dutchman’s agenda.
Current No.1 Romelu Lukaku has been heavily linked with an exit and looks unlikely to stay as he chases Champions League football.
Arsenal are allegedly in talks with the Belgian, and Koeman knows he must move quickly for a replacement.
Graziano Pelle was a top target for the Saints boss, but the Italian has agreed a £13million move to Chinese Super League outfit Shandong Luneng in order to become the world’s sixth best-paid player on a mind-boggling salary of £260,000-a-week.
Everton have also been left stumped in their pursuit of Ajax and Poland star Arkadiusz Milik, while Bordeaux are reportedly holding out for £18m if they are to part ways with Uruguayan Diego Rolan.
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And claims Llorente is the new face on Koeman’s radar, with the former Juventus target man ready to leave Europa League champions Sevilla in search of regular action.
The 31-year-old was on target just seven times last season after spending most of his time on the bench behind reported Barcelona target Kevin Gameiro, but was renowned for his goal-scoring exploits during nine years at Athletic Bilbao.
However, it’s added that Everton are likely to face competition from a number of European sides if Llorente does become available for transfer this summer.
Koeman is also searching for a new midfielder as he looks to guide the Toffees back to the top four, with the Dutchman keen on Sporting Lisbon and Portugal star William Carvalho after a move for Liverpool target Axel Witsel slowed down.
Everton would like a centre-back too as Manchester City close in on a staggering £53m deal for England international John Stones.
There is competition with Southampton and West Ham for Ecuadorian Arturo Mina, while reports in Italy claim Koeman has seen a £25.5m bid for Daniele Rugani rejected by Juventus.