Everton: Why pursuit of Josh King makes sense
By Paul Taylor
![BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - MARCH 11: Joshua King of AFC Bournemouth shows appreciation to the fans after the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and West Ham United at Vitality Stadium on March 11, 2017 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - MARCH 11: Joshua King of AFC Bournemouth shows appreciation to the fans after the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and West Ham United at Vitality Stadium on March 11, 2017 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/3a627fc2b6fdebb1cb048298591b8c49c55495d3c6aada66aba5d89d17bd927f.jpg)
While the interest in Josh King may be somewhat of a surprise, the Bournemouth striker could prove to be a smart long-term investment for Everton.
Josh King has been the subject of intense transfer speculation recently, with Tottenham Hotspur apparently favourites to sign him. However, the Bournemouth striker is now having second thoughts, which could allow Everton to swoop in.
As reported by David Anderson of the Mirror, King is unsure about moving to London, despite the opportunity to play in the Champions League. Anderson writes that he wants to start regularly if he leaves Bournemouth, which may not be possible at Tottenham, with Harry Kane firmly established as the main striker.
Everton’s interest seems to have come out of the blue and the reported £30 million fee is a lot of money for a player who has only had one good season. Regardless, Ronald Koeman is allegedly a big admirer of the youngster.
In addition, the best may be yet to come for the 25-year old, who is coming off a season where he scored a career-high 16 goals. He also has experience at the highest level, after making 28 appearances for Norway and scoring seven times.
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It should be noted King is not desperate to move during the Summer transfer window. Anderson writes that his main priority is to put his career first, rather than going to a bigger club, just for the sake of earning more money.
In that respect, Everton are in a position where it won’t be a big blow if they miss out on the former Manchester United prospect, who has three years left on his Bournemouth contract. Even though Romelu Lukaku’s future is still up in the air, they officially completed the signing of Sandro Ramirez on Monday.
Plus, it’s not as if King is the Blues’ only target up front. As per recent reports, they are also pursuing Olivier Giroud and Wayne Rooney.
Interestingly though, signing King would arguably make more sense than bringing in Giroud and/or Rooney. Apart from the fact he is a lot younger than the experienced duo, his wage demands will be less substantial.
Overall though, all Everton fans can do is remain patient and see who their beloved club brings on board. In fairness, any one of the three targets would be an excellent addition to the squad.
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What do you make of Everton’s apparent interest in King? Do you think signing him would be a good move? Further, what’s your take on the reported £30 million transfer fee Bournemouth are asking for? Share your thoughts in the comments section.