Everton watched target hammer Liverpool, now they could make £15m bid

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Everton are stepping up their pursuit of Strasbourg’s Ligue 1 striker Ludovic Ajorque with Foot Mercato claiming that the Premeir League outfit are planning a £15 million loan-to-buy bid.

With Dominid Calvert-Lewin and Solomon Rondon suspended, Frank Lampard had no real choice but to deploy Anthony Gordon in an unfamiliar number nine role during the opening weekend of the top-flight season.

And while the England U21 international performed dutifully through the middle, this is hardly an adequate solution to a worrying problem. Calvert-Lewin’s injury record – plus Rondon’s lack of mobility – means it would be naïve in the extreme if an Everton side who survived relegation by the skin of their teeth in May opted against bringing in a new centre-forward before September’s transfer deadline.

Fortunately, it seems the Toffees are, at least, making progress to rectify the issue.

Everton target Ligue 1 hitman Ludovic Ajorque

According to reports coming out of France, Everton have enquired about Ajorque’s availability. The men from Merseyside have already held talks with Strasbourg, and could now make an initial loan bid with a £15 million option-to-buy clause included.

And, in a boost to Everton’s plans, Strasbourg will listen to offers. Yes, Ajorque has scored 28 goals in the last two Ligue 1 campaigns; Helping turn a mid-table side into a European contender. But he also turns 29 in February, and has two years left on his contract.

Strasbourg, FM add, would cash in on Ajorque if that means they can keep hold of fellow forward Habib Diallo.

According to Sky Sports, Everton scouted Ajorque during Strasbourg’s 3-0 pre-season win over an under-strength Liverpool at Anfield recently. So, for that matter, did seven other Premier League clubs. One of those – Wolves – have already made a £10 million bid of their own (The Sun).

Standing at 6f 6ins, Ajorque shares more than a few similarities with the number nines currently on Everton’s books. His arrival would, in theory, allow Lampard to rest or rotate Calvert-Lewin without needing to radically tear up his tactical blueprint.

Sasa Kalajdzic, another 6ft-something giant of a centre-forward, is another reportedly on Everton’s wishlist. Stuttgart’s Austria international would also cost around £15 million.