OPINION
Everton would be making a big mistake if they accept an improved bid for winger Ademola Lookman.
That is now a distinct possibility after Sky Sports reported on their live transfer blog (Monday, 9.49am) that Bundesliga club RB Leipzig have tabled a new offer for the 20-year-old of £22million.
It is £10million more than the £12million offer Everton rejected from the German outfit last month and would represent a 200 per cent-plus profit on the youngster.
However, Everton must avoid what would be a dramatic U-turn on their stance from earlier this summer, when it was widely reported, including by the Mirror, that Lookman is not for sale.
On the face of it, the Premier League club would have pulled off a blinder if they secure a huge profit in 18 months on a youngster who has made just 24 senior appearances, scoring three goals.
But the situation is more complex than that.
Leipzig are so keen on Lookman because he is already good and has the potential to very good.
English youngsters who are stars in the making appear to be all the range among the Bundesliga clubs searching for value in the transfer market.
Lookman certainly slots into the category of an attacker with huge potential, as he showed why on loan at Leipzig in the second half of last season, when he scored five goals and supplied four assists from 11 matches.
He has started the season on the sidelines at Everton – the wide forward was an unused substitute in Saturday’s 2-1 win against Southampton after being overlooked in favour of first choices Theo Walcott and Richarlison – but should have a big role to play this season.
Everton are looking to slash the wage bill and prune their squad after the big spending of recent years.
But Lookman is too good to offload. They must hold firm and hang on to him.