TARGET HAS NOT ACCEPTED EVERTON’S OFFER EVEN WITH £13M FEE AGREED

Youssef Chermiti is yet to agree personal terms with Everton despite the Premier League outfit seeing an initial £13 million bid accepted by Portuguese giants Sporting Lisbon earlier in the week. 

Two days after the reports emerged suggesting that Sean Dyche’s pursuit of a much-needed centre-forward could be set for a happy ending, it’s tempting to wonder whether Youssef Chermiti is as keen on Everton as they are on him.

According to reports, Chermiti was taken by ‘surprise’ when Sporting accepted The Toffees’ offer; £13 million to be paid up front, rising to £17 million with bonuses included.

And it may be telling that, as A Bola point out, there is still nothing agreed on the player’s side. After missing out on El Bilal Toure to Atalanta, and having a bid rejected by Leeds United for Wilfried Gnonto, Dyche will be praying that there is not another sting in the tail during Everton’s scorpion summer.

Especially after his side mustered just four goals across their three pre-season games. Half of those coming against a team from the Swiss second tier.

Everton hope to sign Youssef Chermiti

A 6ft 4ins number nine with three goals in four caps for Portugal’s U19 side; Chermiti appears to possess the athleticism and the physical qualities Dyche looks for in a striker.

But a fine record at youth level does not guarantee, however, that Chermiti – who only made his Primeira Liga debut in January – can carry Everton’s survival prospects upon his still-broadening shoulders, especially if Dominic Calvert-Lewin suffers a repeat of last season’s

“(Chermiti) is someone who would grow. But, with the signing of (new Sporting striker Viktor) Gyokeres and the existence of Paulinho, it will be more difficult to have as many opportunities as he would like,” former Leoes midfielder Litos tells Radio Renascenca.

“At this point, for the player himself, I believe (moving to Everton) is a good option.

“(English) clubs, when they sign players, (the contracts are) for at least five years. They are players who can develop without the tremendous pressure that often exists, unfortunately, in Portuguese football.