Everton now burst into race to sign "extraordinary" 33-cap international forward, contact already made

Everton have now burst into the race to sign an “extraordinary” £35m forward, who is being targeted by a whole host of Premier League clubs.

Toffees eyeing new forward amid attacking woes

The Toffees have been in poor form in recent weeks, winning just one of their last five Premier League matches, and they have lost their last two games on the spin, most recently coming up short in a 1-0 home defeat against Manchester United.

David Moyes‘ side struggled to create any real opportunities against the Red Devils, finishing the game with an xG of just 0.63, and they have scored just 29 Premier League goals all season, which is fewer than 18th-place West Ham United.

Thierno Barry and Beto have struggled to find the net on a consistent basis, with the strikers scoring just eight league goals between them, meaning the Merseysiders have set out to sign a new centre-forward, and Union Saint-Gilloise star Promise David is among the targets.

However, striker isn’t the only position in which Moyes is looking to strengthen this summer, with bringing in a new winger also on the agenda, and contact has already been made about a deal for Real Betis star Abde Ezzalzouli.

That is according to a report from Sports Boom, which states Everton made an initial approach to sign Ezzalzouli during the January transfer window, and they have now burst into the race to secure his signature this summer, but there could be fierce competition.

Newcastle United have identified the Moroccan as one of their top targets, while West Ham and Aston Villa are also named as potential suitors.

Real Betis are prepared to sanction a summer departure, but a deal could be relatively expensive, with the La Liga side expected to hold out for at least €35m – €40m (£31m – £35m).

The Toffees struggled to create any real opportunities in the loss against Man United, and their lack of goals this season should be a concern for Moyes, so it would be ideal to bring in a new forward this summer.

The Betis star could be exactly what they need, given the level of his performances in Spain and Europe this season, regularly providing both goals and assists.

Abde Ezzalzouli’s attacking record	Appearances	Goal involvements
La Liga	16	10
Copa del Rey	2	2
Europa League	8	3

Former Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez is also an admirer of the 33-cap Moroccon international, having once described him as “extraordinary”, and he is averaging 1.7 successful dribbles per 90 in La Liga this season, the second-highest amount in the Real Betis squad.

Ezzalzouli could now be ready to test himself in the Premier League, so it would be exciting if Everton were to pursue a summer move, but bringing in a new striker should arguably be a priority, with Beto and Barry struggling.