13 July 2023 , 16:00
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Everton have made their first major push in the summer transfer window, with a £25m bid for Mali star El Bilal Toure.
But they face competition for the Almeria striker, who scored seven goals in 21 games for his Spanish club at the end of last season, in helping them avoid relegation from La Liga.
The 21-year-old is regarded as one of the most promising young forwards in Europe and has attracted a lot of interest, with Italian side Atalanta pursuing him since the end of the season.
Almeria though, are thought to have slapped a £34m price tag on the talented forward, with their sporting director Mohamed El Assy confirming they are taking a firm stance in negotiations.
“Officially there are three clubs interested in El Bilal with formal offers on the table,” he said.
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“Two of them are Italian and one is English. And now we are in the middle of negotiations, from what we will see, since we are not going to broadcast them in the media.”
Atalanta finished fifth in Italy’s Serie A last season to qualify for the Europa League, which gives them an edge in negotiations with the former Reims player.
Sean Dyche is desperate to bring in a striker this summer (PA)But Almeria’s tough stance on the fee could leave the door open for Everton try and outbid the Italians, and bring in the striker boss Sean Dyche desperately needs.
The Blues have also maintained an interest in Manchester United forward Anthony Elanga, but have so far not yet made any formal approach given their bid for Toure.
And they are also monitoring the Villarreal winger Arnaut Danjuma ’s situation, after Spurs failed to convert his loan move from last season into a permanent deal.
The Blues’ first signing of the summer - free agent Ashley Young - spoke yesterday of the size of the club, and the role of boss Sean Dyche in persuading him to move to Goodison, with several other offers on the table.
Ashley Young completed his switch to Everton on Thursday (Everton FC via Getty Images)The 38-year-old former Manchester United man was a free agent after being released by Aston Villa in June and he said: “The manager was important in me signing.
“I know him and know what his passion and desire is like. His honesty, will to work hard and his hunger for the game is second to none. He wants to change the club around, and it was a key factor in my decision.
“The other is the size of Everton. It’s a massive club and the fanbase is one of the best. Having them behind me is a fantastic opportunity.”