Everton, Newcastle and Southampton are reportedly keen on Real Sociedad’s Willian Jose.
Real Sociedad’s Willian Jose
According to The Mirror, Everton, Newcastle United and Southampton are interested in landing Real Sociedad striker Willian Jose this summer.
Willian Jose, 25, was once on the books with Real Madrid following a promising spell with Santos in his native Brazil, but after four goals in 16 games for Real Madrid B, he was let go.
Spells with Real Zaragoza and Las Palmas followed, and after ten goals for the latter last season, the Brazilian hitman was snapped up by Real Sociedad last summer, serving as their man striker ever since.
Strong, dangerous in front of goal and possessing good link-up play, Willian Jose is a typical centre forward who has impressed in La Liga with nine goals this season, and 11 in all competitions for Sociedad.
Unsurprisingly though, Willian Jose’s exploits appear to have attracted major interest, with English clubs hoping to lure him to England this summer, where his physical style of play could be well suited.
The Mirror suggest that Everton are prepared to bid £27million to land the striker, with the Toffees seemingly viewing him as a potential replacement for striker Romelu Lukaku, who is being linked with a move away.
Real Sociedad’s Willian Jose in action against Barcelona
However, Ronald Koeman isn’t on his own in the race to sign Willian Jose, as former club Southampton and Premier League rivals Watford are both believed to be interested, as are Newcastle United, who look set for promotion to the top flight.
It’s hard to see Newcastle splashing so much money on a striker this summer, as whilst they do need another option given Dwight Gayle’s injury problems and Aleksandar Mitrovic’s woes, spending so much on Willian Jose in their first summer back in the Premier League would be a huge risk.
Meanwhile, Southampton’s January signing Manolo Gabbiadini has excelled since his move from Napoli, and with Charlie Austin returning from injury, spending big on another forward would be a shock – even if Jay Rodriguez and Shane Long leave the club.
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