Blow for Everton in Viktor Gyokeres race as Sporting confident of transfer

Although Everton are already linked with half a dozen forwards, transfer activity was dormant for the first few days of the summer transfer window. The top transfer priority for Everton should be to sign a dangerous striker who can lead the line. Viktor Gyokeres certainly fits those criteria, but EFC may fall short of their long-term goal.

When Everton sold Anthony Gordon for £45m in January, it was expected that a certain part of the money would go towards signing a striker to salvage Everton’s season. The Toffees had been in and around the relegation places and needed a reliable goalscorer to get Everton going.

The Merseysiders were one of the worst attacking sides in the league and were the second worst goalscoring club in the 2022/23 Premier League season. Manager Sean Dyche doesn’t want such miserable numbers to be repeated and is desperate for a solid striker at Goodison Park. Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s fitness continues to be a major concern and it’s best not to jeopardize his fitness and start the new season with just one forward.

Everton lose to Viktor Gyokeres

Gyokeres was also Everton’s target in January as the club kept their eye on the Sweden international. Back then, Coventry City were too stubborn to sell Gyokeres as the Championship side faced a chance of promotion to the Premier League. Coventry lost to Luton Town in the Championship play-off final and Coventry can no longer hold Gyokeres.

The 25-year-old has been one of EFC’s top targets this summer. Everton must face competition from Sporting CP as the Portuguese see Gyokeres as one of the best options to bolster their attack. Sporting have already made an offer of €12m plus €3m in surcharges which was rejected by Coventry City. The Championship side want €20m for the forward and EFC are also expected to make their offer soon.