The Swansea City ace could be a useful addition for Everton this summer.
The future of Toffees striker Romelu Lukaku has been the subject of intense speculation since the end of last season, and it seems unlikely that he will hang around at Goodison Park this summer.
With this in mind, Ronald Koeman will have to make the addition of a proven forward one of his priorities during the off-season.
The kind of money involved in replacing a player of the Belgian’s quality, however, requires both time and due diligence. Any potential replacement will obviously involve a huge financial outlay, so it will be a decision that cannot be rushed.
Everton might well be better off by signing an experienced striker, who can fill the void left behind by Lukaku, if he leaves of course, on a short-term basis, while Koeman carefully considers his options for the future.
Swansea City’s Fernando Llorente celebrates
And an interesting option for them could be Swansea’s Fernando Llorente.
The Spaniard was in fine form last season for the Swans, scoring 15 goals in 33 Premier League appearances – an impressive tally when it is considered that he was playing in a team that barely avoided relegation.
The former Juventus and Athletic Bilbao man is strong in the air, accomplished at holding up the ball with his back to goal, and is clinical when presented with a goalscoring opportunity.
The 32-year-old is heavily experienced in playing at the very highest level, and would undoubtedly be an asset for the Toffees. Whilst he is not in possession of Lukaku’s pace, he arguably has more nouse than the Belgian in and around the box.
He is also more capable in the air, and would provide Everton with more of a threat from set plays.
Llorente has just one year remaining on his current deal at the Liberty Stadium, so he shouldn’t prove to be too costly, and if Koeman manages to bring him to Goodison Park, it could turn out to be a signing of real significance.
Swansea City’s Fernando Llorente celebrates
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