Everton set to miss out on ‘outstanding’ player despite making a £34m bid

Everton are set to miss out on Almeria’s El Bilal Toure.

L’Equipe have reported that Atalanta are closing in on a deal for the striker, with the Italian giants prepared to pay over €20 million (£17m) to lure him across Europe.

Toure attracted plenty of interest from the likes of Everton and Wolves after netting seven goals in his first season with Almeria.

The 21-year-old is a very exciting prospect and had caught the eye of the Toffees, who journalist Sacha Tavolieri recently reported had tabled a £34.3m bid for the player.

While Everton’s offer was significantly higher, Sean Dyche’s side were only able to pay Toure’s fee in several instalments rather than up front.

Almeria’s managing director, Mohamed El Assy, had confirmed that Everton’s bid was one of three for Toure’s signature, with Atalanta now looking the most likely to succeed in their pursuit.

While Everton still remain hopeful they can convince Toure to move to the Premier League, Atalanta are confident they can land the forward on a five-year contract.

Would El Bilal Toure have solved Everton’s problems?

Everton have been heavily linked with a long list of strikers this summer, with El Bilal Toure one of the least familiar to fans or the Premier League.

The youngster is clearly considered one for the future, however he isn’t the proven goalscorer that the Toffees need right now.

Sean Dyche needs someone who can transform the club’s chances of success next season, without the need to settle in or struggle with the pressure.

Everton also have plenty of options that wouldn’t cost them over £30m too – so perhaps missing out on Toure isn’t that big of a deal for the club.

Everton still have the likes of Moussa Dembele and Joel Piroe on their radar, both who would probably cost half of Toure’s fee between them.