EVERTON COULD LAUNCH BID FOR ‘INCREDIBLY EXPLOSIVE’ BURNLEY TARGET TODAY

Everton are reportedly set to make a bid for Johan Bakayoko in the ‘coming hours’ after joining Napoli, Paris Saint-Germain and Premier League rivals Burnley in pursuit of the PSV Eindhoven winger. 

Cody Gakpo’s move to Liverpool in the middle of last season may have all-but put an end to PSV’s hopes of beating Feyenoord to the Eredivisie title, but the fact that they remained in the conversation until the final stages of the campaign is testament to how well they adapted to life without their departed talisman.

Xavi Simons went from strength to strength post-Gakpo. So too did a player who, in an era of inverted, cut-inside-and-shoot Arjen Robben clones, feels like something of a throwback.

Everton target Johan Bakayoko is equally comfortable on either foot, and keeps defenders guessing with his ability to cut in or speed down the outside. The 20-year-old – an ‘incredibly explosive’ talent – ended his breakthrough Eredivisie campaign with 10 goals and assists in just 23 games.

And, according to Belgian reporter Sacha Tavolieri, the race is heating up for a forward capped four times by the Rote Duivels. 

Everton move for PSV star Johan Bakayoko

Everton, he says, are one of the clubs ‘currently in talks for Bakayoko’. The Toffees could even make a bid today. Competition is high, however. Napoli want Bakayoko to replace Hirving Lozano. PSG are keen to add the one-time Anderlecht youngster to a new-look, post Messi and Neymar frontline.

Burnley, Fabrizio Romano reports, are also keen. The Clarets could step up their interest with a £9.5 million deal for Hertha Berlin’s Dodi Lukebakio collapsing.

Should Everton be his destination, however, Bakayoko would add serious depth to an attack already boosted by the addition of Jack Harrison from Leeds United.

“I didn’t find it very surprising that PSG wanted me,” a confident Bakayoko told ELF Voetbal; the Ligue 1 champions failing with a £7 million January bid.

“I may not have been very well known to the general public before the World Cup. But I know what I can do and also where my qualities lie.”