As frustration creeps into the Everton camp each week with repetitive poor performances, it seems that Ronald Koeman is aware that the current team does not have what it takes to get the club a top half finish. With their defence seemingly strong, it is the strike force that is looking blunt for the Toffees. As such Everton are linked with a number of forwards in the January transfer window with the latest one being Andrea Belotti.
The 22 years old forward of Torino has become a hot prospect since joining from Palermo the previous season, attracting a lot of top Premier League clubs like Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal. United are said to have earmarked the former Palermo youngster as a viable target as manager Jose Mourinho seeks other options to veteran forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic up front.
However, Alessandra Stefanelli of Tuttomercatoweb has also revealed that Torino are set to extend Belotti’s contract until 2021, which will boost his release clause well over the fifty million mark at £54 million. Belotti has already netted 8 times and bagged 4 assists in only 10 appearances this season and it is quite obvious Torino won’t let such a talent leave the club. His performances have also helped him get a national call.
As per the Italian outlet Tuttomercatoweb report, Everton are maintaining their push for the Italy international, with scouts attending matches. The report adds that Everton are also using their scouting trip to monitor midfielder Daniele Baselli, who boasts four goals in 12 games for Torino this term.
Related Reading: Everton Want This International Midfielder; How He Could Prove To Be One Hell Of A Bargain
Everton has lost the intent up front and Andrea Belotti could be an ideal candidate. He chases the ball, forces defenders to make mistakes and does not hesitate to go for tackles. He has a strong finishing touch which has mainly attracted his suitors from all across Europe. His hard work and the ability to shut down defenders when they have the ball and never shirking from a physical challenge are commendable.
Apart from Romelu Lukaku, Koeman does not seem to have any quality forward up front who will be providing them with that extra edge. Belotti will definitely be an upgrade for the Everton front line.
Everton bought winger Yanick Bolasie from Crystal Palace by paying €28.9m and also loaned Enner Valencia from West Ham United this summer. But they have not gelled well leaving the club in the seventh position of the Premier League table, garnering 19 points from 12 games. Their humiliating defeat away at Chelsea was followed by a frustrating draw against Swansea City last week.
