Everton favourites to sign £40m ex-Man City player wanted by Newcastle and Leeds

Everton continue to press ahead with their summer recruitment plans as David Moyes looks to strengthen his squad ahead of the new Premier League season.

A number of forwards have already been linked with moves to the Hill Dickinson Stadium, including Levante youngster Etta Eyong.

The Cameroon striker enjoyed an impressive campaign in Spain and has attracted interest from several clubs across Europe.

Reports have suggested Everton have been monitoring the 22-year-old and made a recent enquiry as they assess younger attacking options capable of developing into first-team regulars.

Eyong finished last season with seven goals and four assists in La Liga alone, and his performances have placed him firmly on the radar of Premier League scouts, including Ipswich, who are believed to be pushing hardest as things stand.

Everton are also continuing to be linked with a much more experienced and big name attacking option.

West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen has regularly been mentioned as a potential target during the summer window, and the England international remains one of the Hammers’ standout players despite the club’s relegation from the Premier League.

Bowen has attracted interest from several top-flight clubs following another productive campaign.

Everton have been credited with serious interest as they look to add proven Premier League quality to their forward line, but face competition from the likes of Aston Villa and Newcastle.

Any move would be expected to prove difficult given the competition for his signature, not to mention the 29-year-old’s loyalty to West Ham and rumoured £50 million price tag.

However, Bowen is among a number of attacking players understood to have been discussed by Everton’s recruitment team.

The club’s search for a new striker has also continued throughout the summer, and Chelsea striker Liam Delap may well be a credible option for Moyes’ side.

The England Under-21 international joined Chelsea from Ipswich after an impressive 24/25 campaign in the Premier League, but after an underwhelming first season at Stamford Bridge, speculation over his long-term future has continued.

Everton in ‘pole position’ to sign Chelsea striker Liam Delap

According to Football Insider, Everton have now moved into pole position to secure Delap’s signature this summer.

The report states the Toffees are leading the race to complete a permanent deal for the striker, but they face stiff competition from rival suitors.

The striker came through Man City’s academy and made a handful of senior appearances before establishing himself at Ipswich.

His physical presence and finishing ability have earned widespread praise during the early stages of his career, and the 23-year-old could be viewed as a player capable of becoming an important part of Moyes’ long-term plans.

How much Liam Delap will cost to sign from Chelsea

Chelsea are expected to demand a significant fee before allowing the striker to leave.

Delap could cost in the region of £40 million this summer, as per Football Insider, as Chelsea look to make a small £10m profit off his sale.

For now, discussions are continuing as Everton look to strengthen their attacking options.

With interest in Eyong and Bowen already well documented, Delap remians another major target as Moyes looks to reshape his forward line ahead of the new season.

What’s been said about Liam Delap

Even amidst his struggles in west London, Delap has shown flashes of promise, with ex-City and Spurs midfielder Michael Brown calling him a proper old school number nine.