Everton are 'likely' to try and hijack Brighton's deal for a Bundesliga star with Newcastle already rejected in the race, according to a report.
Everton make summer transfer plans for David Moyes
The Toffees' transfer window is taking shape well before it opens.
David Moyes has been handed a summer rebuild with the Friedkin Group expected to back him with a significant budget, and the priorities are becoming clear.
EVERTON MOYES
A new striker sits at the top of the list, amid rumoured interest in the likes of Atletico Madrid's Alexander Sorloth.
Beto and Thierno Barry have managed a combined 12 goals between them this season — a return considered below par given the near-£60m spent on the pair, and Moyes is understood to want more firepower at his disposal next term.
Elsewhere, Everton are reportedly growing in confidence over a permanent deal for Jack Grealish, who joined on loan from Man City.
John Stones, who is out of contract at City in the summer, is also being monitored, but Moyes is believed to hold some doubts over signing him, even on a free transfer, due to his injury record.
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The Toffees are one of a few suitors.
Into that busy picture comes a new name, and this one involves a transfer battle that Everton will have to force their way into.
Everton plotting Brighton transfer hijack for Said El Mala
As per German news outlet Sport BILD, via Sport Witness, Everton are among a group of Premier League clubs considered 'likely' to enter the race for FC Köln forward Said El Mala.
Said El Mala for Koln
The 19-year-old winger has become one of the most sought-after young talents in the Bundesliga, with Bayern boss Vincent Kompany recently piling praise on El Mala for his skill at "high speed".
Brighton are currently the frontrunners — though their pursuit has stalled over a significant valuation gap.
Brighton have put a proposal worth a total £34m, including add-ons, on the table, but Köln are holding firm at a £43m minimum and are in no rush to budge.
The German club have tied El Mala, who's bagged 10 goals and four assists in all competitions this term, down to a contract until 2030 with no release clause, giving them full control of talks.
Newcastle also attempted to open talks with the player's camp but were turned away, with his family indicating a preference for Brighton.
El Mala's mother Sabrina, who is now representing him, has made clear to Köln that she is open to other clubs though, even if Brighton remains the preferred option.
Koln's Said El Mala
That stance, combined with Brighton's inability to close the gap on the asking price, has created an opening for Moyes' side.
For Everton, Fulham, Brentford and Chelsea, who are also keen, the calculation is straightforward.
The stalemate between Brighton and Köln has left the door ajar, and the feeling from those close to the situation is that further bids are likely to materialise, potentially from the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Whether Everton can compete with a £43m asking price will depend on how their summer budget is structured, but the interest is apparently real, and the situation is one they are watching closely.
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