Everton are in negotiations to secure the signing of FCSB wonderkid Octavian Popescu ahead of the summer transfer window.
That’s according to a report from Digisport back in Popescu’s native Romania, with Everton making their move for the striker.
Agents Ioan and Victor Becali have allegedly spoken to Everton about a potential deal for one of Romania’s top talents.
FCSB owner Gigi Becali doesn’t want to sell this summer though because he doesn’t think he can land a fee representative of Popescu’s quality.
Becali notes that he sold players like Dennis Man and Vlad Chiriches for modest fees but doesn’t want to do the same with Popescu.
Becali claims that he wants €50million (£42million) for Popescu, a fee that Everton absolutely won’t be paying this summer.
The FCSB owner even called Popescu a ‘genius’ and compared him to Neymar and Lionel Messi.
It’s worth noting here that Becali is quite the character and is known for the odd outlandish comment or two.
Popescu, 19, joined the FCSB ranks in 2020 and has been showing enormous potential this season.
In 33 games across all competitions for FCSB, Popescu has hit nine goals and four assists.
Primarily a left-sided winger who likes to cut in on his right foot, Popescu has repeatedly shown the quality to score goals from range.
Inventive in the final third and possessing fine balance, Popescu has been a nightmare for defences in Romania.
It now seems that Everton have spotted Popescu’s potential and fancy luring him to Goodison Park this summer.
Premier League survival is getting closer and closer for Everton and Frank Lampard will be seeking to reinforcements.
There isn’t big money to spend at Everton though and any deal for Popescu would have to be a bargain – and nothing like the £42million Becali wants.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
