Everton are in talks to sign Joshua Zirkzee on loan from Bayern Munich, with the Mail reporting that the Dutch striker could make a permanent move to Goodison Park if he impresses in England.
The 19-year-old may be one of the most talented young strikers in Europe but, with a certain Robert Lewandowski ahead of him in the pecking order, Zirkzee hasn’t had many chances to show off his prodigious potential in the last 12 months.
The former Feyenoord youngster has made just three Bundesliga appearances under Hansi Flick this season and has spent the last few weeks in the reserves as he looks to build up match fitness.
Zirkzee has been open about his desire to play more regular first-team football and told AD a few weeks ago that a loan move away from the Allianz Arena was an option.
With Eintracht Frankfurt opting to rekindle an old love affair by bringing Luka Jovic back from Real Madrid, Everton have emerged as the most likely destination for Zirkzee.
The Mail reports that the Toffees have entered discussions about a potential loan-to-buy deal for the 6ft 4ins front man.
Interestingly, Zirkzee came close to joining Everton back in 2017, when Ronald Koeman was the manager and Steve Walsh was pulling the strings in the transfer market.
The skilful teenager joined Bayern instead.
And while Zirkzee has been little more than an extra amongst FC Hollywood’s all-star cast, the Dutchman has had the odd moment in the spotlight.
Zirkzee scored four times as Bayern lifted the Bundesliga title yet again last term, including crucial late efforts against Freiburg and Werder Bremen.
“It’s almost crazy. It says a lot about his enormous willpower,” goalkeeper Manuel Neuer said at the time (Teller Report).
“He is deadly,” added Joshua Kimmich.
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