OPINION
Everton must swoop to sign Watford forward Dodi Lukebakio in the summer transfer window after it was reported that the speed demon will return to Vicarage Road at the end of the season once his loan deal with Fortuna Dusseldorf expires.
Lukebakio, 21, has been on fire in the Bundesliga this season and that has led to BILD reporting that Borussia Dortmund and Borussia Monchengladbach both have major interest in signing the Belgium Under-21 international.
It is understood that Dusseldorf do not have an option to sign the lightning-quick ace from Everton’s Premier League rivals in the summer and the chances of him staying put with the German side are low.
Lukebakio has been in stellar form for Dusseldorf though by scoring 11 goals in 22 appearances across all competitions, as well as supplying three assists.
The former Anderlecht attacker has been most impressive against the biggest clubs in Germany this season.
He hit a hat-trick in a 3-3 draw against Bayern Munich in November while also scoring against potential suitors Dortmund in December.
Lukebakio has also found the net against Hoffenheim and Werder Bremen in the Bundesliga, even though he has only managed a spot in the starting line-up on 12 occasions in the league.
It is pretty clear that Lukebakio is a tremendous young talent, and that is why Everton need to bust a gut to sign the Belgian in the summer.
Marco Silva and Marcel Brands cannot ignore the fact that their attack has been lacking in quality this season, especially as they need a new striker and a new right winger as soon as possible.
Lukebakio can play up front but he is just as comfortable playing out on the wing, which is why Silva should go out and bid for the Watford player as soon as his loan spell at Dusseldorf ends.
It might be a struggle to sign him with Borussia Dortmund also interested, but if the Toffees want to sign quality players they have to be able to compete with some of Europe’s biggest and most attractive clubs.