Report: Everton have now launched £35m bid for ‘special’ player, West Ham also in the race

Everton have launched a bid to sign Hugo Ekitike.

According to Sport Zone, Everton have made an offer worth up to €40 million for PSG ace Hugo Ekitike. The fee, which in full would roughly equate to £34.5 million, would be comprised of an initial €35 million, with another €5 million available in add-ons.

West Ham United are also interested in Ekitike, and view him as a potential replacement for Gianluca Scamacca.

However, Everton are clearly leading the race for Ekitike right now, but whether PSG pay serious consideration to the Toffees’ opening offer remains to be seen.

Youssef Chermiti already looks close to sealing a switch to Goodison Park, but Sean Dyche may well feel that another new striker is needed on Merseyside. Ekitike would fit the bill perfectly. The 21-year-old has plenty of talent but has struggled to fully establish himself at the Parc des Princes. He could do with a move to a club where he can get his career back on track and shine by living up to the title of “special player” he was given by his former Reims boss.

Ekitike is a risk worth taking for Everton

Everton are in desperate need of a goalscorer. At his best, and full of confidence, Ekitike can be absolutely clinical. At 6’2” and with a powerful frame he also has the physicality to suit a Dyche style of football, and can replicate Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s role as a target man for the Toffees.

It would represent a risk, bringing Ekitike to Merseyside, with Everton potentially facing another season in a relegation scrap. Ekitike’s lack of Premier League experience could prove to be an issue. However, it would be a calculated gamble. The France under-20 international has huge amounts of potential and could blossom into a brilliant striker at Goodison Park and shine for Everton for years to come.

If Everton can hold off West Ham and strike a deal with PSG for Ekitike, then that would be excellent news for Dyche.