As Everton reportedly consider Leicester City’s Jamie Vardy, should Toffees pay over the odds?

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Leicester City will demand a big sum for 31-year-old Jamie Vardy and Premier League rivals Everton have a few doubts about signing him.

In all honesty, it is a surprise that Jamie Vardy has not had more offers to leave Leicester City over the years.

Manchester United and Chelsea have been linked to an extent in recent times while Arsenal came closest to luring the striker from the East Midlands in the summer of 2016 but, for now, Vardy remains Leicester’s number nine. And he probably will be this time next month, too.

According to Sky Sports, Everton are interested in signing the England international with Sam Allardyce a long-time admirer.

But it is understood that the Toffees have concerns about paying a big sum for a player who turned 31 last week.

And perhaps they are right to do so. Everton have already spent £50 million on Cenk Tosun and Theo Walcott this month, adding pace and goal-threat to a front line that has lacked a spark all season.

But while Everton would undoubtedly be forced to pay over the odds for the ageing Vardy, you must speculate to accumulate as the old saying goes. And there should be little doubt that the 2016 Premier League champion would be a super addition to the Toffees’ attack.

Even at the ripe old age of 31, he has not lost even a millimetre of his lightning pace, with Vardy’s trademark bursts in behind opposition back lines still a regular sight on a Premier League weekend.

Blessed with speed, aggression and a natural goal-scorers instinct, Vardy has all the attributes Everton’s attack has lacked since Romelu Lukaku left. And a tally of nine Premier League goals this season for Leicester is not to be sniffed at.

So while Everton may be waiting until the summer to make their move, the chance to sign Vardy is not something they should be so willing to turn down, even if the numbers look a little steep.