Everton open initial talks to sign £50m star Emery from Aston Villa

Everton continue to explore a number of attacking options as they prepare for another crucial summer in the transfer market.

The club has already been linked with a number of forwards and wide players as recruitment continues behind the scenes.

Another player who has recently appeared on Everton’s radar is Monaco striker Folarin Balogun.

Reports have suggested that the former Arsenal player is keen on a return to the Premier League after three seasons in France.

Everton are believed to be among the clubs monitoring the situation alongside Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace.

Balogun is understood to be available for around £43 million if Monaco decide to approve the sale, while another name linked with the Toffees in recent weeks is Torino winger Alieu Njie.

Reports in Italy say that Everton are currently the only club ready to make a direct move for the Swedish international, while the Merseyside club are said to be willing to offer around £9 million for the attacker.

Torino, however, are reported to be holding out for close to £13 million.

Those links underline Everton’s desire to add more quality and depth in attacking areas, but another high-profile target could be the most interesting capture of all.

According to Wayne Veysey of Football Insider, Everton have opened preliminary talks with West Ham regarding the signing of captain Jarrod Bowen.

Everton are opening initial talks with West Ham over the signing of Jarrod Bowen

The report says that initial discussions have already taken place as the Tofis are looking at whether an agreement is possible.

Bowen was one of the best players in the Premier League before his move down to the Championship and the Englishman has been a key player for West Ham for several seasons.

Since his arrival from Hull City in January 2020, he has developed into one of the club’s most important players.

Last season he also played a major role in the attack for the Hammers.

Operating across the front line, Bowen has contributed 11 goals and 12 assists across all competitions, but he can’t do anything to rescue Nuno’s side from relegation.

Although Everton are keen on Bowen, they are by no means alone.

Aston Villa are also credited with a strong interest, and recent reports have suggested that Unai Emery is a big fan of Bowen and sees him as a player who can strengthen Villa’s attack.

Despite that competition, Everton are firmly in the discussion, and although no official bid has been submitted at this stage, links have been established with the Hammers.

Bowen is reportedly worth around £50 million, and that figure reflects his importance to West Ham and his consistent performances in the Premier League.

The winner has a long-term contract at the London Stadium and West Ham is not believed to be willing to sell him.

As a result, any interested club may need to present a significant offer, regardless of their second-tier status.