Everton want Sergio Akieme but face a battle with Brighton and Hove Albion as well as Crystal Palace for the Almeria defender.
Estadio Deportivo report that Everton are interested in signing Almeria left back Akieme in 2023.
They’re far from alone in the race though with Premier League rivals Brighton and Palace also interested.
Almeria aren’t exactly under any pressure to sell but they may be tempted to cash in for major profit.
It’s noted that Almeria paid around €3.5million (£3million) to sign Akieme permanently from Barcelona in 2021.
That deal did though include a first refusal for Barcelona, meaning the Catalan giants can swoop in ahead of the likes of Everton.
Whether Xavi and co will actually do it remains to be seen, but it’s a possibility – and Barca may even look to activate that first refusal to sign Akieme and then sell him down the line.
Who is Everton target Sergio Akieme?
Everton do have a left back in Vitaliy Mykolenko and even signed Ruben Vinagre on loan over the summer, but may think that Akieme is better than both of them.
Akieme, 25, is something of a late bloomer having only made 13 first-team for Rayo Vallecano, spending most of his time in their B team.
Barcelona signed Akieme in 2019, placing him into their B team for a year before sending him on loan to Almeria.
That move was turned permanent in 2021 and Akieme remains a vital first-team player at Almeria.
The Madrid-born left back hasn’t registered a goal or assist this season but has been a decent attacking threat for Almeria throughout his time at the club.
Akieme has bagged three goals and five assists in 86 outings for Almeria.
Everton may now think that he can make the transition to the Premier League, but there is a real battle for his signature.
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