Everton reportedly wanted to make Celtic star Moussa Dembele their new club-record signing but have grabbed Henry Onyekuru instead.
The fact that Moussa Dembele has stated on numerous occasions that he sees his immediate future at Celtic appears not to have registered with the tabloids.
After links with countless European giants, The Sun claim that Everton are preparing to smash their transfer record to bring the French phenomenon to Goodison Park.
The report adds that Everton will hope to lure Dembele, valued at around £30 million after netting 32 goals in a stunning debut season in Glasgow, with the prospect of regular first-team football on Merseyside.
A regular sight for Celtic supporters last season
However, although Everton have announced themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the transfer market with the marquee additions of Sunderland goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and Ajax captain Davy Klaassen they face a major challenge enticing Dembele.
And the Scottish treble winners are in no financial need to sell. They know that another fine campaign will only increase the value of a player they signed for just £500,000 from Fulham a year ago.
Impossible dream?
Perhaps this is a factor in why Everton have secured the sought-after services of KAS Eupen striker Henry Onyekuru. One of Europe’s most in-demand young players, who was the subject of a bid from Celtic in January according to the Scottish Sun, has signed the Toffees and will spend next season honing his talent on loan at Anderlecht.
Like Dembele, Onyekuru is just 20 years of age and had been relentlessly tipped with a move to a more illustrious competition after scoring for fun in a second-tier European league.
However, you wonder whether his signing is a response to the fact that Dembele is little more than a pipe dream. But, with 24 goals last season, Onyekuru is some consolation prize.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
