Everton are hopeful of leapfrogging Spanish side Sevilla to the signing of Sampdoria striker Luis Muriel by activating the £24.6million (€28million) release clause in his contract, according to TuttoMercatoWeb.
The Italian football news website claim that Sevilla have already submitted a bid for the 26-year-old Columbian forward, but say that it is below what Everton are willing to pay to secure his signature.
Muriel enjoyed a fruitful time in front of goal for Sampdoria last season, having hit 13 goals in 33 appearances across all competitions as well as chipping in with nine assists.
He has also made 15 appearances for his country, although has not demonstrated the same fine form he has for his club with just one goal since his debut in 2012.
Now it appears Everton are ready to blow Sevilla out of the water to land the forward after making contact with Sampdoria about negotiating a deal.
The Sun reported just days ago that Everton’s Premier League rivals West Ham were also eyeing up a transfer for the striker, but it appears the Toffees have taken the lead in the running for his signing.
The two sides have also been linked by France Football with a move for Caen’s young winger Yann Karamoh, with both sides looking to bolster their attacks this summer.
Everton boss Ronald Koeman looks set to completely overhaul his forward line this transfer window, with the future of Romelu Lukaku still in doubt and winger Kevin Mirallas reportedly wanted out by the Dutch manager.
However, the Toffees could see their third arrival of the summer very soon, with the Times suggesting that striker Sandro Ramirez is set to complete a move to Merseyside by the weekend and put an end to the ongoing transfer saga surrounding the 21-year-old.
The Toffees have already captured the signings of Sunderland goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and Ajax midfielder Davy Klaasen for a reported combined fee of over £50million.