OPINION
Everton are reportedly still on the lookout for a frontman and could turn their attention to Real Sociedad striker Willian Jose.
The Daily Mail claimed in their transfer news column that 25-year-old forward Jose is highly admired at Goodison Park, with Koeman still on the lookout for a new striker to replace Lukaku who has joined Manchester United.
Oumar Niasse looks set to leave, with Fenerbahce interested, and a foot injury to new signing Sandro Ramirez has highlighted the need for a new striker, with Wayne Rooney Everton’s only other option.
The Toffees have been rebuffed in approaches for Arsenal’s Olivier Giroud and Crystal Palace’s Christian Benteke, while Fiorentina’s Nikola Kalinic has joined Serie A giants AC Milan.
This Is Futbol considers whether a move to sign the forward is a good deal, and if a deal is likely to be secured between the two clubs.
Good move for Everton?
Brazilian forward Jose shone for the La Liga outfit last season, scoring 14 goals in 34 league and cup appearances as well as laying on four assists in blue and white stripes.
He has continued that form in his second appearance at Sociedad, scoring and setting up another in Sociedad’s 3-2 win away at La Liga outfit Celta Vigo on Saturday.
His creative nous, combined with a determined desire to find the back of the net when taking to the field, would see him fill the shoes of Lukaku with aplomb.
Standing at 6ft 2in, Jose is also useful in the air, matching Lukaku’s physical presence and luring the former Sao Paulo forward to Merseyside would be a top bit of business.
This Is Futbol rating: 9/10.
Likely to happen?
Jose is a new signing at Sociedad and still has four years remaining on his contract with the La Liga outfit, and it is likely to be one of the club’s priorities to keep him in Spain.
The report claims that Everton are already thought to see the striker as too expensive, who is yet to earn a senior Brazil cap despite making 15 appearances for his country’s Under-20 side.
Everton owner Farhad Moshiri has already spent huge amounts on the likes of Gylfi Sigurdsson, Michael Keane, Jordan Pickford and plenty of other stars this summer.
However, one more big bit of business could be the key to making a real assault on the Premier League’s top six.
This Is Futbol rating: 3/10.