Youssef Chermiti transfer hints at Everton plan that offers their best hope

Having been stifled in their approach to bring El Bilal Toure to Goodison Park, Everton appear to be on the verge of landing another young striker from European football.

Mal international Toure, 21, netted seven times in 20 outings in Spain’s La Liga for Almeria last season but there was enough raw potential there for decision makers at Everton to try and press for a deal. But Atalanta, a club that can offer Europa League football this term, also saw the potential and it was the Serie A side who won the race, landing Toure for a reported €30m (£25m) fee. It was a deal done with the view to replacing the Manchester United-bound Rasmus Hojlund, and one where the funds for purchase would be aided by what is to be received from that huge sale, believed to be around £72m.

Everton need firepower for this forthcoming campaign, and while the arrival of Arnaut Danjuma on loan from Villarreal helps aid their attacking options, further reinforcements are required, with attention having shifted to Sporting CP striker Youssef Chermiti.

The 19-year-old made his breakthrough for the Portuguese side last season, bagging three goals in 16 games. At 6ft 4ins he has the physical attributes to be a threat in the air, although with such a limited CV so far it is impossible to guarantee his arrival will be a hit. But the Blues have needed to approach the market differently and focus on potential rather than those who might have a greater chance of a more immediate impact, but with much less chance of a resale value.

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At a reported €15m (£12.9m) fee, Chermiti does represent a gamble