Everton are interested in signing Bazoumana Toure – but Merseyside rivals Liverpool have now made a move.
It was Sportsboom who first claimed that Everton want Toure, currently one of the most creative players in Germany with 11 assists in 25 Bundesliga appearances – also scoring three himself.
Now, however, a report from Sky Germany states that Liverpool have opened talks with Hoffenheim to make the German side formally aware of their interest.
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Over to Everton as Liverpool make Bazoumana Toure move
It is said that Liverpool are the first English club to make a move for the Ivory Coast international, meaning Everton have work to do in order to muscle in on this transfer.
Liverpool actually scouted Toure at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in March as Scotland lost 1-0 to the Ivory Coast in a friendly during the international break, a game David Moyes also watched.
Sky claim that Hoffenheim are willing to sell the Ivorian this summer, but are keen to ensure any sale becomes a record departure. Joelinton’s £40m move to Newcastle in July 2019 is currently the most expensive sale in the history of Hoffenheim.
The Bundesliga side – who own another Everton target in Ozan Kabak – are in a strong negotiating position, as Sky also mention there is no release clause in Toure’s contract, which runs until July 2029.
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There is no denying the 20-year-old is a top talent, and if he fulfils his potential, a fee in the region of £40m would prove to be a snip. Only Michael Olise, Luis Diaz and Julian Ryerson have been more creative than the Hoffenheim No.29 in the Bundesliga this season, which speaks volumes about his ability.
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However, Everton may opt to wait and see if they can finish above Liverpool – who are only five points ahead with six games remaining – before deciding to gatecrash the negotiations for Toure.
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