Everton have been linked with a move for Borussia Monchengladbach attacker Marcus Thuram as new manager Rafa Benitez looks to bolster his forward line.

What's the story?

According to Italian outlet CalcioMercato, the Toffees are one of three sides interested in signing the highly-rated 24-year-old over the coming months, with Borussia Dortmund and Inter also listed as potential suitors.

With just two years remaining on his current contract, Thuram could be available for a reduced price next summer if Everton are prepared to wait that long.

Everton could finally replace Lukaku

After arriving on German shores back in 2019, Thuram has established himself as one of the Bundesliga's most exciting young stars.

In his 40 appearances for Monchengladbach last season, the £25.2m-rated gem bagged 11 goals and provided a further 12 assists in all competitions, but his contributions didn't stop there.

He also created four big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of two shots and making 0.6 key passes per game.

These returns saw teammate Denis Zakaria brand Thuram a “phenomenal” talent and earned him a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 6.91, ranking him as Monchengladbach’s tenth-best performer in the top flight of German football.

The versatile striker also impressed during his brief appearance for France at Euro 2020, making one key pass, completing one dribble and winning one duel in the 3-3 draw with Switzerland, with his display earning a SofaScore match rating of 7.2.

His impressive performances for club and country led to Movistar commentator Alain Valnegri telling El Pais that Thuram reminded him of Chelsea forward Romelu Lukaku, saying: “He can be dominant and allow him to act as an offensive terminal, Lukaku style.”

A serious knee injury has limited Thuram to just 46 minutes of action in the current campaign, though, and he's set to be sidelined until the new year, making a January move a potentially risky one.

Nevertheless, Everton's hierarchy must sanction a move for the youngster, adding some much-needed strength in depth to Benitez's attacking options and potentially finding their next Lukaku in the process.

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