Everton and Leeds United are two of the latest clubs to join the race to sign Armando Broja from Chelsea, following the striker’s flying loan transfer at Southampton so far this season.
That’s according to TEAMtalk, who report the Merseyside and West Yorkshire outfits, along with Wolves, are exploring late mid-season deals. Southampton have also made it clear to Chelsea that they would like to keep Broja on the south coast beyond his temporary spell.
Broja is earning a wealth of suitors from the Premier League having flourished under Ralph Hasenhuttl. The striker has delighted talent spotters from around the top-flight with his all-round play. He has also scored seven goals, netting five and an assist in 18 league games.
The Slough-born, Albania international has thrilled Premier League clubs with his ability to run rings around defenders. Now, Everton, Leeds and Wolves are mulling bids for Broja and to rival Southampton for the Chelsea loanee’s potential transfer.
Leeds are mainly eying potential striker signings as Patrick Bamford – among others – has suffered a wealth of injuries this season. The 28-year-old has only played once in the top-flight since September 17 following ankle, then hamstring and currently foot problems.
Everton see Leeds target Broja as transfer replacement for Calvert-Lewin
Everton have also suffered with injuries for their star attackers Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison. The former missed 16 games with a quadriceps issue, while the latter missed time with knee and calf gripes. Salomon Rondon scored once in 13 games in their place.
The Toffees additionally fear losing Calvert-Lewin, with talkSPORT reporting Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is a ‘huge admirer’ of the forward. So, Everton are considering a transfer for Broja if Chelsea agree to sell the Southampton loanee to ensure they have a replacement.
But Everton and Leeds will face competition from Southampton, as well as Newcastle, for Broja’s transfer from Chelsea. TuttoMercatoWEB report the Saints have offered the Blues €30m (£25m) before future add-ons, while the Magpies have bid €40m (£33.5m).
Chelsea currently want to retain Broja’s services, at least until the summer. The Stamford Bridge hierarchy will then debate the 10-cap Albanian’s long-term future. While the Daily Mail note West Ham are also interested in the forward who Hasenhuttl lauds significantly.
“He’s a great threat,” the Saints boss told BBC Sport after Broja scored against Brentford earlier this month. “He didn’t have many poor games this season. So, today, he showed again how dangerous he can be for the opponent, and he’s very helpful for our game.”
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