Everton are now in pole position to land Mali international El-Bilal Toure from Almeria this summer, according to a report from The Guardian. 

The Toffees have made their wishes clear this summer as they look to sign a new striker to provide competition and cover for Dominic Calvert-Lewin at the club following the failure of both Neal Maupay and Ellis Simms to impress manager Sean Dyche.

Everton have been linked with a host of strikers but are now closing in on a deal for 21-year-old Malian star Toure from Spanish outfit Almeria. The youngster has a release clause of £34m in his contract with the club, and the Toffees are willing to activate the clause.

Toure is also attracting interest from Fulham, who see him as a potential option for the club if they end up selling talismanic striker Aleksandar Mitrovic.

Everton eyeing El-Bilal Toure as first summer signing

Everton have been quiet on the transfer front in the early weeks of the summer window as they have a limited budget to work with this summer as a result of FFP limitations. A striker is, however, of the utmost importance to the Merseyside outfit.

The Toffees managed only 34 goals in the Premier League in 2022-23, a very poor tally for any side. They were without Calvert-Lewin for long periods due to his injury problems. They have been linked with moves for Viktor Gyokeres and Joel Piroe, as well.

Toure managed seven goals in 21 league appearances for Almeria last season, the same number scored by Everton top scorer Dwight McNeil. The Mali international will provide quality cover for Calvert-Lewin, if he moves to the club.