Everton are exploring a deal for Southampton’s Kamaldeen Sulemana as they grow frustrated in their attempts to sign Wilfried Gnonto from Leeds.
The Ghanaian forward only joined the St. Mary’s outfit in January from Rennes but was powerless to stop the Saints’ plummet into the Championship.
Since his £22million arrival, however, Sulemana managed just two goals – both on the final day of the Premier League season – and an assist in his 18 outings.
The player had been of interest to Everton in January, with Southampton seemingly fending off advances from the Toffees, but Sean Dyche and Co could be set to at last get their man, albeit after a circuitous route.
Gnonto was previously subject of a £15m bid from Everton in July, but Daniel Farke’s are unwilling to sell, having proven to be one of the sole bright sparks in a poor season for the Whites, who have lost several players to relegation clauses.
It has so far been a busy transfer period for Everton in terms of outgoings, however, only two new faces have come through the door at Goodison Park.
Having spent the latter half of last on the bench and ineffective at Tottenham, Arnaut Danjuma has joined Everton on loan, with Ashley Young also signing on after being released by Aston Villa.
But the Toffees remain intent on rectifying there lack of signings and are set to at last sign a striker, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s constant injury setbacks leaving them short of numbers up top at times.
Everton, who are completing the signing of Sporting Lisbon striker Youssef Chermiti for £12m plus add-ons, are awaiting an improved bid from Fulham for winger Demarai Gray who also has interest from Crystal Palace and West Ham.
Gray had been one of the more effective attacking players in the first half of the season when Everton seemed destined for relegation under Frank Lampard and ended the campaign the third-highest goal scorer on four.
As well as the three London clubs, Gray had been of interest to Turkish Super Lig giants Besiktas who are keen to bolster their own attacking options.
Gray still has a year left on his contract, but despite facing the prospect of losing him for free next season, Everton are thought to be looking to keep him at the club for the next campaign.
Toffees striker Tom Cannon is in talks to rejoin Preston North End on loan for a £1m fee.
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