Everton look set to miss out on the signature of Middlesbrough star Chuba Akpom, with the player travelling to Amsterdam to undergo a medical at Ajax, according to Sky Sports.
The publication reported on its website on Monday (14 August) that Boro will receive £15million for the striker, with that fee potentially rising to £15million.
Akpom scored 29 goals last season, with Everton and Leeds both having targeted the player had Boro not been promoted, which turned out to be the case [talkSPORT, 9 March]
“Chuba Akpom is travelling to Amsterdam today for a medical with Ajax,” according to Sky Sports. “Middlesbrough are receiving an initial fee of £10m which could rise to £15m.”
Major blow
Everton have definitely improved in the final third this summer, in what was an area that needed massive work after the club’s struggles in recent seasons.
The issues going forward have continued into the new campaign, with the Toffees failing to find the back of the net in their Premier League opening day loss against Fulham.
The Cottagers won 1-0 at Goodison Park on Saturday (12 August), with Dyche handing Neal Maupay a starting role up top.
The striker failed to take advantage of the absence of main man Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who is continuing his recovery from injury.
The Toffees have brought in Youssef Chermiti from Sporting Lisbon in an attempt to bring in more goals, but there is no doubt that fans would have welcomed Akpom with open arms in addition to the young Portuguese striker.
The Boro man banged in 28 Championship goals last time out, and will no doubt shine at Ajax next season in what is a very exciting move for the player.
In other Everton news, the Toffees are in attacking “dismay” after breaking an unwanted Premier League record against Fulham.