Almeria striker El Bilal Toure set to jet in as decision made over Atalanta and Everton

Almeria striker El Bilal Toure is set to jet into Italy in the next 48 hours as he will join Atalanta over Everton, according to Gazzetta Dello Sport.

The Italian newspaper claims [26 July, Page 20] that the 21-year-old will be moving to the Serie A outfit for £25.7million.

The Toffees, who appeared to be neck in neck in the race to sign the Mali international, have now lost out and will need to look at other options.

This one seemed difficult to happen in the first place as Atalanta certainly were the favourites to secure his services.

Unless Toure was desperate to play in the Premier League, the Serie A side looked to be in the driver’s seat as they can offer him European football.

Everton, on the other hand, have fought relegation battles two seasons in a row and do not have the financial pull to offer him higher wages than the market would.

The Toffees and Sean Dyche surely will have a plan in mind and may have lined up alternatives in case the Toure deal does not work out.

It remains to be seen whether or not they now look to prioritise a move for Leeds United attacker Wilfried Gnonto.

The Italy international can play as a striker as well and with Arnaut Danjuma signed, the Toffees and Dyche perhaps see him leading the line if they do sign him.

In other Everton news, an exit-linked Toffees player has recently been spotted in talks with a senior Goodison Park figure ahead of the new season.

BLUES JOIN STOKE, SHEFF WED, AND PRESTON IN RACE TO SIGN EVERTON FORWARD

Birmingham City have joined the race to sign Everton striker Tom Cannon on loan, according to journalist Alan Nixon.

The report also reveals Stoke City have also joined the race for him with Preston hoping to acquire his services once again after his loan spell.

The Republic Of Ireland international is one of the most sought after strikers in the Championship this season with a whole heap of clubs interested.

Cannon can leave for a season once Sean Dyche has found more cover in the frontline areas and they believe him will improve even more following his short stint with Preston.

Blues have been understood to have made contact with The Toffees for his services and could even offer a loan to buy arrangement.

Stoke appear to have the cash to also make a similar agreement but they are looking for multiple forwards.

The 20-year-old is no stranger to Championship football having scored 8 goals in 20 appearances for The Lilywhites last term.

He has showed how quickly a young player can rise through the ranks as he went from playing under-21’s football with Everton to regular Championship football after just three cameo appearances for the Toffees.

Another loan move for Cannon has been somewhat expected this summer, but matters have been complicated by the fact that Everton manager Sean Dyche has wanted to take a look at the youngster in pre-season.

Cannon took to the pitch against Stade Nyonnais of Switzerland but missed the most recent set of friendlies with a hamstring injury – his future though continues to get speculated on.