Everton are showing a late interest in signing Joshua King on deadline day, but they are not the front-runners to complete the deal, the Athletic report.
Southampton are ahead of Everton in the race to sign the Bournemouth striker, as they have less issues standing in their way of completing the transfer.
Everton have been chasing King for some time, but have been unable to get a deal done for the forward, who was once described as ‘brilliant’ by Jermain Defoe (Tribal Football).
However, Bournemouth have finally lowered their demand for the attacker, whose contract expires at the end of the season.
That has seen Southampton act, with the south coast side eager to bring him in on a permanent deal, with Shane Long heading to Dean Court.
Everton also want to make a bid, but at the moment that are in no position to do so.
The Toffees apparently are reliant on Bernard making a move before they can consider bringing King in, otherwise they will risk breaching Financial Fair Play regulations.
Bernard is on a hefty contract at Everton, and getting his salary off their wage bill could see the Toffees make a move, but by then it could be too late, with Southampton pushing ahead to complete the transfer.
That could be a blow to Everton, as Carlo Ancelotti’s striking options aren’t exactly plentiful.
Beyond Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Everton appear to have very few viable options, with Cenk Tosun heading out on loan to Besiktas, and King could have increased competition for places in the attacking areas at Goodison Park.
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