Everton now vying to sign £51m former Leicester City star

Everton are exploring several different forward options as David Moyes prepares for a frantic end to the transfer window.

The Toffees wanted Liam Delap, but Nottingham Forest have now completed a club-record deal worth up to £50 million for the Chelsea striker.

That setback has forced Everton to keep moving through their shortlist.

Fresh discussions have been held with the representatives of Midtjylland forward Franculino, who could be available for around £21 million. Meanwhile, Burnley attacker Zian Flemming has also been watched, while a possible reunion with Richarlison has been mentioned.

Everton’s search could become more urgent if Beto leaves.

The Portuguese striker is attracting interest ahead of the deadline, although Everton do not intend to approve his departure until a replacement has been secured.

Jack Grealish has also returned to the centre of the discussion during the past 24 hours.

The Man City winger spent last season on loan at Everton and immediately became an important figure in Moyes’ attack. Grealish bagged two goals and six assists across 22 appearances before foot surgery brought his campaign to an early end in January.

Everton remain interested in bringing him back, although Sunderland and Aston Villa are also being linked with the 30-year-old.

Grealish has entered the final year of his City contract and has only been used from the bench by Enzo Maresca this season. Both a permanent transfer and another loan deal have been discussed.

There could also be movement in the opposite direction.

City have identified Iliman Ndiaye as a possible signing following the departures of Savinho and Omar Marmoush. Everton value the Senegal international at £80 million and have no desire to lose him cheaply.

That uncertainty helps explain why Everton are examining other creative attackers.

Everton ‘vying’ to sign Stuttgart forward Bilal El Khannouss

Sky Germany now reports that the Toffees are ‘vying’ to sign Stuttgart star Bilal El Khannouss.

Newcastle and two Saudi Arabian clubs are also monitoring the Morocco international, who is open to leaving Germany. No interested club has reached the final stage of negotiations, but Stuttgart are prepared to sell for between £43m and £51m.

El Khannouss only became a permanent Stuttgart player in May after an obligation in his loan agreement with Leicester City was activated.

The 22-year-old racked up nine goals and seven assists in 41 Stuttgart appearances last season, and he can play behind a striker or drift in from either wing, using quick feet and close control to create chances in crowded areas.

His previous Premier League experience with Leicester should also reduce the adjustment required if he returns to England.

El Khannouss would not necessarily solve Everton’s need for another central striker. However, he could replace Ndiaye’s creativity if a huge offer arrives or provide an exciting younger alternative if a Grealish reunion proves too expensive.

Everton now have several attacking routes available, but very little time to choose between them.