CONFIRMED: Everton have £10m bid accepted for Standard Liege striker
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Everton look set to ease the burden on Romelu Lukaku in the coming days, with the Toffees closing in on Standard Liege’s Ishak Belfodil.
According to DH.net in Belgium, it’s believed the Toffees have agreed a deal with the club of around £10m for the 24-year-old.
Belfodil has only been in Belgium since the summer, but has settled well, netting nine times across domestic and European fixtures.
Capable of playing on the wing too, Ronald Koeman will be pleased to see the Algerian has also set up four assists this term.
The signing of Oumar Niasse 12 months ago proved to be a disaster for Everton, and Lukaku has again been lacking in support up front.
The big Belgian has 11 goals this season, while nobody else has more than three.
And the fact that right wing-back Seamus Coleman is one of those team-mates with a trio of goals, indicates how much trouble Everton would be in without Lukaku.
Belfodil began his career in France with Lyon, before several stints in Italy with Bologna, Parma, Livorno and Inter.
A move to UAE side Baniyas Club kick-started his career in 2015 however, with the move to Liege following last summer.
At 6ft 3in, Belfodil would add plenty of presence to Everton’s attack, and boss Koeman has made no secret of his desire to spend on players this month.
West Brom had also been interested in the forward, and Everton’s initial offer of £8m was rejected by Liege.
But a £10m bid is now believed to have been accepted, with Belfodil expected to become an Evertonian in the coming days.
The move might come too late for the weekend’s clash with Manchester City however, and the bookies odds of 16/5 for a home win suggest Koeman would use some extra impetus this weekend.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
