Everton are believed to be keen on the AC Milan man.
According to a report from Calcio Mercato, Everton are willing to spend £15million to secure the signing of Mbaye Niang this summer, so does Toffees manager Ronald Koeman think he can do what so many managers have failed to before him and get the best out of the enigmatic attacker?
The young Frenchman was on loan at Watford this season but has allegedly not settled at Vicarage Road and craves a return to Italy.
However, the Toffees are willing to chance their hand and are preparing a sizable bid for the 22-year-old, despite his less than impressive time at the Hornets that saw a return of just two goals and two assists in 16 outings.
Niang is already something of a journeyman, having played for five clubs spread across Italy, France and England, but Everton are said to be keen to give the versatile attacker another shot at the Premier League.
Toffees boss Ronald Koeman has impressed in the transfer market to date and if he really is planning a hefty bid for the youngster the Dutchman must feel he can get the best out of him.
Everton are likely to be busy this summer, strengthening in a number of areas and potentially dealing with the loss of key players such as Romelu Lukaku and Ross Barkley, and a £15million move for Niang would be seen as a risk at the best of times.
If this is more than just paper-talk, Koeman must have seen something in the 22-year-old that he wants at Goodison Park, even though he has a return of 29 goals and 20 assists in 160 senior appearances to date.
There is no doubt Niang is talented, and his ability to play anywhere across the forward line would certainly come in handy at Everton. But if Koeman really is interested, he will have to tap into the mind of a player who has failed to live up to his potential thus far.
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