Everton have reportedly made an offer for Rennes and Ghana winger Kamaldeen Sulemana as they look to replace Anthony Gordon and sign the first player of the Sean Dyche era.
Gordon brought in £40million in one payment from Newcastle after the England under-21 international skipped training to force through a move to Tyneside, as the fee received ensured that the Toffees could become active in the final few days of the January window.
According to The Athletic, Everton made a verbal offer for Sulemana on Sunday and are waiting for a response from Rennes, who have set an asking price of £26m for the Ghanaian international.
Southampton have also made a £17.5m offer for the 20-year-old which was rejected and while the Ligue 1 side are reluctant to sell their forward, they may be tempted to cash in as he has made just two league starts so far this campaign.
Bournemouth have also shown an interest in Sulemana, who wishes to leave Rennes over a lack of playing time. Dyche’s new side are keen to bolster their forward options after losing Gordon, while only Wolves have scored fewer goals than Everton in the Premier League so far this campaign.
Sulemana came through the Right to Dream academy system and joined Danish side FC Nordsjaelland, where he excelled and became the most expensive player ever to leave the Superliga as he was signed by Rennes 18 months ago for a reported £17.5m fee.
The French side are said to have demanded £35m in the past, which deterred Newcastle from attempting to sign him and instead recruited Gordon from Everton.