OPINION
Everton striker Oumar Niasse is reportedly in talks with Premier League rivals Brighton over a potential season-long loan to the south coast.
The Daily Mirror claimed in their transfer news blog on Monday (11.20am) that Chris Hughton’s newly-promoted side want 27-year-old Niasse to fire them to Premier League safety come May 2018.
It is said the both sides are already in talks over a move for the eight-time Senegal international, who is deemed as surplus to requirements at Everton following the signings of Wayne Rooney and Sandro Ramirez.
Niasse has failed to have an impact at Goodison Park since his expensive £16million move to Merseyside from Lokomotiv Moscow, which was completed by former manager Roberto Martinez.
However, a loan spell to Hull City during the second half of the 2016-17 season saw him reignite his goalscoring form as he scored five goals in 19 games in a side that were struggling against relegation.
Now, This Is Futbol considers whether loaning Niasse to Brighton is a good move for the Toffees, and how likely a deal can be achieved.
Good move for Everton?
After losing Romelu Lukaku to Manchester United earlier this summer, Everton are still in need of a striker with Wayne Rooney better deployed deeper in the number 10 role.
Niasse showed just how effective he can be when given the chance, offering Hull pace, power and an unwavering eye for goal in their fight against relegation last season.
However, it seems that he is not wanted at Goodison Park, with Koeman looking to offload the striker and potentially make room for a new signing before the end of the window.
With the move only being a loan, Niasse could look to prove to Koeman that he can still have a future at Everton and by scoring 10-15 goals with Brighton, the former SK Brann striker would do just that.
This Is Futbol rating: 7/10.
Likely to happen?
Niasse’s future is likely to be away from Everton this summer, with plenty of Premier League interest being reported over the last six weeks.
A loan move is more preferable for both sides. Brighton will want to preserve what transfer budget they have left, while Everton could still give Niasse a chance to shine in a blue shirt.
With three years still to run on his current deal, a loan is the best move for all parties involved as Niasse looks to show the Toffees just what he can do in the top tier of English football.
This Is Futbol rating: 9/10.