OPINION
Everton have reportedly been offered the chance to sign powerful Benfica striker Raul Jimenez as Ronald Koeman searches for alternative options for his squad.
The Daily Mail claimed on their website on Thursday that the European giants have presented the Toffees with the opportunity of signing the 26-year-old forward, who is being valued at £45million.
Jimenez has plenty of experience having been capped 57 times at international level for Mexico and has even played in four matches for Benfica in all competitions this season, scoring once.
Here, This Is Futbol weighs up whether Everton taking up Benfica’s offer will be a good move for the Toffees and whether it is likely to happen.
Good move for Everton?
Everton have replaced Romelu Lukaku with two very capable goal scorers in Wane Rooney and Sandro Ramirez.
However, one thing that neither brings to the Toffees side is the power and ability to hold up play which Lukaku presented to Koeman’s outfit.
Jimenez is not known for his goal scoring ability and that reliance on goals can fall to both Rooney and Ramirez.
But, Jimenez has played in the Champions League, for Mexico and is valued at £45million for a reason and if Everton can secure a deal for him then there aren’t too many negatives away from the potential cost for someone so far unproven in the Premier League.
This Is Futbol rating: 8/10.
Likely to happen?
At both Southampton and Feyenoord Koeman showed his want to play for a powerful striker who can lead the line in Graziano Pelle.
The Dutchman didn’t need to bring anyone with him last summer due to Lukaku, but following the Belgian’s departure the Merseysiders have been linked with a move for Arsenal’s Olivier Giroud, who boasts similar abilities.
Now, if Everton have truly been offered the chance to sign Jimenez and they are looking for a big frontman like the Mail report states then this move is very likely to happen before Thursday’s transfer deadline.
This Is Futbol rating 7/10.