Everton have expressed an interest in Brentford midfielder Frank Onyeka, who has emerged as a centre of attraction among Premier League clubs and beyond, Standard Sport reveals.
The 26-year-old is away on international duty with the Nigerian national team at the Africa Cup of Nations, and his performances have significantly bolstered interest in his services.
Everton will welcome a chance to add a player of Onyeka’s enormous quality to their midfield ranks. But Brentford are unwilling to strengthen a Premier League rival, particularly in the loan market.
The Bees have already turned down multiple loan bids for the Nigerian midfielder, and Everton will struggle to compete with the proposals on offer, considering their precarious financial situation.
Brentford have already rejected a loan offer from La Liga high flyers Girona, who proposed a potential option to make the purchase permanent for around £17 million, including performance-related bonuses.
A similar offer was tabled by French side Stade Reims, who increased their option to buy proposal to £20m if performance-related add-ons are met. But Brentford were swift to knock it back.
The Bees could yet sanction a mid-season exit for Onyeka if a suitable proposal arrives. But Everton simply cannot compete with the financial power of the other potential suitors.
The Toffees have appealed a ten-point hit after being found to have breached the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) and will learn the outcome of their hearing in mid-February.
In the meantime, they have been plunged into the relegation battle while the prospect of further punishment looms as they have been charged with a second PSR breach, alongside Nottingham Forest.
Everton are hoping to bolster their attacking ranks before the February 1 deadline, and talks of a potential loan move for Ajax ace Chuba Akpom have been floated.
The Toffees will need to strike a loan agreement to get a deal over the line in the short time remaining or continue their relegation battle with the current crop on the thin roster.