Everton turn to La Liga youngster to aid Lukaku in attack
Published:Everton are preparing to re-enter the transfer market this January after a 4-0 loss to Merseyside rivals Liverpool exposed the lack of attacking options available to manager Roberto Martinez.
Lacina Traore may have arrived from Monaco on a loan deal until the end of the season, but with Romelu Lukaku facing a spell on the sidelines following his first-half collision with teammate Gareth Barry, an additional striker may be required.
The Toffees are rank outsiders to finish in the top four of the Premier League at 7/1 with Ladbrokes, following their heavy defeat to the Reds, but a new forward could give the Merseysiders some glimmer of hope.
One frontman currently being linked with a move to the Premier League stalwarts is Adrian Lopez, a striker previously rumoured to be on the radar of Arsene Wenger.
The 21-year-old impressed for current club Atletico Madrid last season but has struggled for game time this term, with the duo of Diego Costa and David Villa preferred by manager Diego Simeone.
Martinez will be all too aware of his compatriot’s talents and with the Spain youth international likely to be available at a relatively low fee, a January move could be just what the doctor ordered for Everton and their ailing hopes of challenging the Premier League hierarchy.
Lopez is thought to be keen on a move to England too, having previously voiced excitement at the mooted move to Arsenal.
Transferring to Everton would not only increase his playing time and potentially his wage packet, but also give the striker more of a shop window to not only impress other bigger suitors but Spain manager Vicente del Bosque as well.
The Goodison Park outfit will no doubt come highly recommended to Lopez by fellow youth international Gerard Deulofeu who is currently thriving on loan for the Toffees.
But with time fast running out to forge a deal, Martinez and Everton had best move quickly.
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