Everton bid for striker falls short by £9m as Serie A side also pursuing transfer

Everton striker search is now entering crucial stages as EFC are trying to make moves in the transfer market. The Toffees have already seen some of their top targets join other clubs and cannot afford to lose their preferred targets. Almeria striker El Bilal Toure is definitely on the list.

The Toffees have a long list of strikers that they are following. They have been following some of them since January transfer window. Viktor Gyokeres was a target for Everton since January but the Merseysiders failed to sign him in the summer as Sporting won the race. Iliman Ndiaye is another player that the Toffees are following since the winter transfer window but the Senegalese is close to reaching an agreement with Olympique Marseille.

Wout Weghorst, Moussa Dembele and Rodrigo are some other names that have been associated with a move to Goodison Park. Almeria’s Bilal Toure is also a target but Toffees are not alone in the chase. In fact, EFC have taken a substantial step in Toure’s pursuit.

Everton make a bid for Almeria striker El Bilal Toure

According to The Mirror, EFC launched a £25 million bid for the Malian international but their bid has fallen short of Almeria’s asking price. Everton are not alone in the chase of 21 year old, as Serie A side Atalanta are also keen on the forward. It was also reported that EFC hold definite interest in the Almeria forward but cannot compete with Atalanta.

Everton have made a bid of £25 million but it has fallen short by £9 million as the La Liga side wants £34 million for the Malian. Bilal Toure netted seven goals in 21 games and has seen his stock rise on the back of impressive performances. Almeria sporting director, Mohamed El Assy, confirmed that they will be firm on their stance.

"Officially there are three clubs interested in El Bilal with formal offers on the table. Two of them are Italian and one is English. And now we are in the middle of negotiations, from what we will see, since we are not going to broadcast them in the media. (via Mirror)"

Recently, a report suggested that EFC will propose a loan with an obligation to buy for Bilal Toure but that looks infeasible as Almeria are very particular with their demands. Bilal Toure is young and still developing. To pay £34 million for a 21 year old who is relatively unproven in the Premier League might be a huge risk and EFC cannot afford to take such risks at the moment.

Will the Merseysiders manage to sign El Bilal Toure?