Everton are making a number of enquiries as they narrow down their transfer shortlist.
David Moyes was exploring a deal to sign Johan Bakayoko from PSV, but the Belgian winger is now set to join Bayer Leverkusen.
Similarly, Everton were in talks with James McAtee after it emerged that Pep Guardiola was willing to sanction his sale.
However, it looks as though the Toffees have cooled their interest as McAtee is meeting Eintracht Frankfurt today whilst Nottingham Forest are pushing hard.
Focus seems to have turned to a midfielder on the continent, as Everton presented their project to him on the weekend.
RC Lens midfielder Neil El Aynaoui.
Photo by FRANCOIS NASCIMBENI/AFP via Getty Images
Everton have presented their project to Neil El Aynaoui
Moyes wants to sign a goalscoring midfielder and has identified Lens’ Neil El Aynaoui as a potential target.
It emerged on the weekend that Everton were showing an interest in El Aynaoui, and now there has been a further development on that deal.
According to La Voix du Nord, the Toffees actually presented their project to the 24-year-old, who has already agreed personal terms with Roma.
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The Friedkins’ sister club are the most likely suitor at this stage, however, it appears as though there is some coordination going on between the pair.
Perhaps the Friedkins will allow El Aynaoui to pick between joining Everton or Roma.
El Aynaoui price tag
El Aynaoui, who predominantly operates as a number eight, ranks in the top three per cent for non-penalty goals per 90 compared to his positional peers across Europe, as per FBref.
Further, the former Moroccan youth international sits in the top six per cent for interceptions, evincing his impressive defensive skillset, too.
24 Ligue 1 appearances
8 goals
1 assist
As such, Lens have placed a £26m valuation on El Aynaoui, who has two years left on his contract.
There is some suggestion that their price tag is inflated, so perhaps Everton could land his signature for a lot less than that.