Everton open initial talks to sign £50m star who Emery wants at Aston Villa

Everton continue to assess multiple attacking options as they prepare for another important summer in the transfer market.

The club have already been linked with several forwards and wide players as recruitment work continues behind the scenes.

One player who has recently emerged on Everton’s radar is Monaco striker Folarin Balogun.

Reports have suggested the former Arsenal forward is interested in returning to the Premier League after three seasons in France.

Everton are believed to be among the clubs monitoring that situation alongside Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace.

Balogun is understood to be available for around £43 million should Monaco decide to sanction a sale, and another name linked with the Toffees in recent weeks is Torino winger Alieu Njie.

Italian reports have claimed Everton are currently the only club prepared to make a concrete move for the Sweden international, with the Merseyside club said to be willing to offer around £9 million for the attacker.

Torino, however, are reportedly holding out for a fee closer to £13 million.

Those links underline Everton’s desire to add more quality and depth in attacking areas, but another high-profile target would be the most intriguing capture of them all.

According to Football Insider’s Wayne Veysey, Everton have opened preliminary talks with West Ham over signing captain Jarrod Bowen.

Everton open preliminary talks with West Ham over signing Jarrod Bowen

The report states that initial discussions have already taken place as the Toffees explore whether a deal could be possible.

Bowen was one of the most established wide men in the Premier League before his drop to the Championship and the England international has been a key figure at West Ham for several seasons.

Since arriving from Hull City in January 2020, he has developed into one of the club’s most important players.

Last season he again played a leading role in the Hammers attack.

Operating across the front line, Bowen contributed 11 goals and 12 assists in all competitions, but could do nothing to save Nuno’s side from relegation.

While Everton are keen on Bowen, they’re by no means alone.

Aston Villa are also credited with strong interest, and recent reports have suggested Unai Emery is a major admirer of Bowen and views him as a player capable of strengthening Villa’s attack.

Despite that competition, Everton are firmly in the conversation, and while no formal bid has been submitted at this stage, contact has been established with the Hammers.

Bowen is reportedly valued at around £50 million, and that figure reflects both his importance to West Ham and his consistent performances in the Premier League.

The winger remains under a long-term contract at the London Stadium and West Ham are not believed to be actively looking to sell him.

As a result, any interested club would likely need to present a significant offer, regardless of their second tier status.