Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been linked with the Goodison Park exit door in the last few weeks and as a result, Everton have been touted with moves for a number of Europe’s top strikers.
Swiss forward Haris Seferovic could join Rafa Benitez at the Toffees but they’re now in the hunt for a more electrifying forward at Euro 2020.
What’s the word?
According to reports in Italy (via TEAMtalk), Everton are interested in signing Patrik Schick from Bayer Leverkusen this summer.
The Czech Republic striker enjoyed a fabulous European Championships and has also attracted the interest of Tottenham.
However, for any deal to be concluded, Benitez and Marcel Brands will have to part ways with a hefty sum of money.
Schick only just signed for Leverkusen a year ago and as a result, there is no pressure to sell.
That said, if they receive an offer of €40m (£34m) they might be willing to offload.
DCL running scared
If Everton bring Schick to Merseyside this summer then it could well send Calvert-Lewin running for the hills.
The England international found the net on 21 occasions last term and was provided with no competition for a central striking berth.
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However, the arrival of a new forward with similar qualities might have him sweating over his place in the team.
Of course, it would be foolish to dismiss Calvert-Lewin but his minutes could be reduced a little next season and most importantly, he might not have as many goal-scoring opportunities.
That’s because Schick is one of the most in-form strikers on the planet, enjoying a wonderful summer with Czech Republic.
His country reached the quarter-finals of the Euros before they were knocked out by Denmark.
Schick scored in that game which took his tally in the tournament to five which means he’s currently the joint top scorer in the competition alongside a certain Cristiano Ronaldo.
Therefore, it’s hardly a surprise that new Leverkusen boss Gerardo Seoane described the 25-year-old as a player with “incredible finishing qualities" just a matter of days ago.
He only found the net 13 times last term but as he approaches his prime years, Schick looks like a force to be reckoned with.
The forward scored a mind-boggling goal from the halfway line against Scotland during matchday one of the European Championships and at 6 foot 2, is a brutal presence for any defender.
Like Calvert-Lewin, he is capable of reigning supreme in the air. Last term, he won 2.3 aerial battles per game in the Bundesliga and then a whopping 3.8 duels per match in the Europa League.
Capable of brutally dominating a backline, he’d be an exceptional signing, one that could finally give Everton’s current star striker some competition for his shirt.