Everton attempting to hijack Chelsea’s £40million Jamie Vardy bid to replace Romelu Lukaku
The Toffees are still on the hunt for another striker after flogging Lukaku to Manchester United despite signing Wayne Rooney
EVERTON are attempting to hijack Chelsea’s £40million-move for Leicester star Jamie Vardy, according to reports.
Ronald Koeman is still on the hunt for another striker after selling Romelu Lukaku to Manchester United for £75million.
According to the Mirror, the Toffees believe Vardy, 30, could be tempted with a move away from the King Power Stadium despite turning down Arsenal last summer.
Chelsea are reportedly interested in the England international as they continue to try and strengthen before the end of the transfer window.
But the Toffees believe they have the upper hand as Leicester’s former talent scout Steve Walsh can help convince Vardy to join the Merseyside club.
Vardy signed a new deal with the Foxes last year worth £100,000-a-week but knows he could make more if he moves to another club.
Although big-money buy Alvaro Morata is already off the mark, the Blues still need to replace outcast Diego Costa.
The Premier League champions forked out £67million to Real Madrid for Morata.
But Conte wants another frontman to make up for the absence of last season’s top scorer Costa.
The England international made an explosive start to the new campaign as he netted twice in the Foxes opening day loss to Arsenal.
Meanwhile, Vardy is not the only Leicester star Chelsea are interested in.
They are hoping to complete a deal for midfielder Danny Drinkwater within the next week.