Everton have made contact over signing a former Crystal Palace star who's already decided whether he wants to join them.
The Friedkin Group have reportedly made their intentions clear: David Moyes will be backed this summer.
Everton manager David Moyes celebrates after the match
The question is how, and with whom.
As we have reported extensively in recent weeks, the owners are ready to fund a big-money striker signing, and the shortlist has been growing by the day.
Joshua Zirkzee has been tipped as a strong fit by former scout Mick Brown, while Troy Parrott, who scored 31 goals for AZ Alkmaar this season, has also been linked.
John Stones is believed to be seen as a golden opportunity on a free transfer by the Toffees, with a second loan for Jack Grealish also under review.
david-moyes-everton-premier-league Related
Star makes Everton, Newcastle or Coventry transfer decision after 'positive' talks
He's made his preference clear.
But it is up front where the most significant investment is expected, and Everton have now set their sights on one of La Liga's most prolific strikers.
According to Marca journalist Matteo Moretto, Everton have made a direct approach to Atlético Madrid over a deal for Alexander Sorloth.
atletico-madrid-sorloth
The Toffees' interest is described as stronger and more concrete than any other club currently in the frame, with the fee expected to land in the region of £25.9m.
There is, however, a significant obstacle.
Moretto reports that the 30-year-old Norwegian is not currently open to the idea of joining Everton, casting serious doubt over whether the move can be made to work regardless of what the two clubs agree between themselves.
"There’s another club that has made a slightly stronger, slightly more direct approach to Atletico and that’s Everton," said Moretto.
"But for the moment, the player isn’t open to that possibility. So, I don’t see Sorloth going to Everton as a good move. Well, I don’t think they’ve confirmed it to me 100% yet, but I think it’ll be around £25.9m.”
Sorloth has been one of the most consistent goalscorers in Spanish football since arriving at Atlético from Villarreal in the summer of 2024.
He has found the net 13 times in 34 La Liga appearances this season — comfortably the highest tally in Diego Simeone's squad — and his physical presence at 6ft 5in, combined with intelligent movement and clinical finishing, has made him a key figure in Atletico's campaign.
He scored four goals in a single game against Real Madrid during his time at Villarreal in 2024, announcing himself as one of the most dangerous strikers in the division, and that reputation has only grown since his move to the capital.
English football fans may remember Sorloth from an earlier, less successful chapter.
alexander-sorloth-palace
He signed for Crystal Palace in January 2018 but managed just one Premier League goal in 20 appearances before being loaned to Gent and then Trabzonspor, where he finally rediscovered his form with 33 goals in 49 matches.
Spells at RB Leipzig and Real Sociedad followed before his breakthrough campaign at Villarreal, and the transformation from Palace misfit to La Liga marksman has been one of the more remarkable career arcs in European football.
For Everton, the logic is sound.
Moyes needs a striker who can lead the line physically, hold the ball up, and score consistently from the kind of service the Toffees are capable of providing. Sorloth fits that profile precisely, and at £25.9m the fee would represent reasonable value for a player with 13 league goals in one of Europe's top five divisions.
But a transfer requires the player's consent, and right now, Sorloth does not see the Hill Dickinson Stadium as his next destination.
tottenham-premier-league (14) Related
Everton aiming to force signing of ex-Tottenham forward who's scored 31 goals this season
The Toffees are one of many clubs interested.