Category Archives: Everton

European Giants Target Wantaway Chelsea International

Real Madrid and Juventus have both reportedly targeted the signing of Romelu Lukaku from Chelsea this summer, with Madrid seeing him as an alternative should they miss out on the signing of Radamel Falcao from Monaco, according to AS.

They face stiff opposition from the Old Lady of Turin, however, with Juve’s sporting director Giuseppe Marotta set to contact the Stamford Bridge club about bringing the striking talent, who spent last season on loan with Everton, to the club on either a permanent or temporary basis.

Corriere dello Sport are suggesting that Juventus would be happy with taking Lukaku to the club on loan, which is Chelsea’s preferred option, but would be happier to sign him on a permanent basis. Chelsea are looking to loan him out after the additions of Diego Costa and Didier Drogba.

The 21-year-old has also attracted interest from Real, with Ancelotti looking for another striker to cover after the departure of Alvaro Morata.

Lukaku is keen to settle his future, having spent the last two seasons on loan to sides in the Premier League. He also spent a season with West Brom, where he was also a great force in front of goal.

The last two seasons have seen him score 32 goals in 66 Premier League games, an incredible record given the fact he has spent neither of them at a side expected to challenge for honours.

Everton leading chase for Ivory Coast international

@awinehouse1

29-year-old Hannover star Didier Ya Konan has emerged as a chief transfer target for Everton this summer.

With Romelu Lukaku set to return to Chelsea after the completion of his successful loan spell, Roberto Martinez has apparently cast his eyes elsewhere to fill their striking berth. The stocky and powerful Ivorian is ideally suited to Premier League football, and could potentially attract interest from elsewhere.

Hannover 96 are loath to lose him this summer and could offer him new terms before the World Cup, knowing that it will provide their star man a shop window in which to display his talents.

Ya Konan has scored 37 goals in his 117 games for Hannover since his arrival in 2009, but he may be tempted by the promise of a move to the Premier League and European football.

Everton will likely need to add significant striking options this summer, given Lukaku’s departure and the fact that his only genuine backup, Lacina Traore, is also on loan and has made only one appearance since his arrival. Everton will also have to deal with the heavy schedule that the Europa League brings.

Arsenal, Everton, Fulham, Liverpool and Southampton to duel for young star?

The Daily Star is reporting that these clubs are to fight for the signature of England international Jack Butland.

Butland, who sat out Birmingham’s game against Leeds at the weekend, was first choice for the Great British side at the Olympic Games. His club are suffering financially, with acting chairman Peter Pannu seeking to sell up, possibly to a coalition headed by Flavio Briatore.

However, Butland, one of the club’s remaining assets, could be sold to a Premier League side to keep the club going in the interim.

Around £6 million is thought to be enough to take Butland off Birmingham’s books.

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