OPINION
Everton would add the missing piece to their jigsaw by rivalling Tottenham in the north London giants’ reported pursuit of Liverpool striker Divock Origi this summer.
The Telegraph claim that 22-year-old striker Origi could be allowed to leave Anfield permanently before Thursday’s deadline, which strikes at 11pm.
Belgium international Origi is concerned that he may not get the game time required to earn a place in his nation’s World Cup squad, and is willing to leave the club in search of first-team football.
It is said that Tottenham could be interested in the former Lille striker, who has plummeted down the pecking order at Liverpool behind Daniel Sturridge, Dom Solanke and Roberto Firmino.
Marseille and Anderlecht are also said to be keen, but Everton should look to beat all three sides by luring him to Goodison Park from their bitter Merseyside rivals this summer.
Everton are yet to properly replace the loss of Romelu Lukaku in the final third, after Origi’s national side teammate joined Manchester United for a huge fee of £90million.
Everton have brought in Wayne Rooney and Sandro Ramirez, but the latter’s recent heel injury has highlighted the need for a new striker with Rooney preferred in a deeper role.
Oumar Niasse is expected to leave the club with Brighton reportedly eyeing the Senegal international, and that should see Koeman add another striker to his squad.
Origi possesses many similar traits to Lukaku in that he offers an aerial prowess, power as well as speed and the ability to catch the eye with the ball at his feet.
His Premier League form is not bad either. Origi has only started 21 of his 51 top-flight outings in England’s highest division, scoring 12 times as well as laying on five assists.
Putting bitter rivalries aside, Origi would be the perfect replacement for Lukaku if Everton can beat the likes of Tottenham, Marseille and Anderlecht to his signature in the next three days.