According to the Portuguese newspaper Record, Everton are keen on landing Benfica striker Raul Jimenez, with boss Ronald Koeman desirous of adding a strong forward to his attack since Romelu Lukaku left.
The Portuguese outfit are holding out for £46million on the Mexico international, but Everton are £18.5million short of their asking price having tabled a £27.5million bid.
The deal could collapse as Anderlecht and Monaco are also very much interested in Jimenez despite Benfica’s huge valuation of their striker.
West Ham and Manchester United reportedly are also monitoring the powerful Mexican.
Koeman has made no secret of his need for another striker despite securing the services of Wayne Rooney and Sandro Ramirez.
Having lost former Udinese frontman and summer target Nikola Kalinic to AC Milan, it would be another blow if Jimenez is snapped up by another side.
Despite flopping at Atletico Madrid, the 26-year-old has proven himself since moving to Portugal, hitting double digits in goals last season and establishing himself as his country’s undisputed starter.
With Gylfi Sigurdsson available to constantly feed him clear-cut chances, Jimenez could become a frequent source of goals for Everton if he’s signed on, as the two could work in tandem.
Breaking into top 6 comes with a lot of spending, and despite a £100million plus outlay this summer, £18.5million should be the last thing standing in between them and their lofty dreams.
