Everton would have been better off targeting Sassuolo winger Jeremie Boga instead of plumping for free agent Andros Townsend, according to Forza Italian Football editor Conor Clancy.

Rafa Benitez was appointed as the Toffees' new boss in June, following Carlo Ancelotti's shock return to Real Madrid, and quickly made Townsend his first signing having worked with the former Crystal Palace man at Newcastle United.

Townsend headed to Goodison Park after seeing his contract at Palace expire at the end of June.

Everton, who have signed another winger in the form of Demarai Gray ahead of the season getting underway, have also been heavily linked with Boga.

The Toffees are not the only club targeting the 24-year-old Sassuolo man, with Leeds United and Crystal Palace showing an interest while Serie A side Atalanta have seen a £15.5million bid knocked back.

Boga made one Premier League appearance during his time with Chelsea and Italian football expert Clancy believes Benitez should have prioritised signing Boga instead of Townsend.

He told Football FanCast: "There's no competition between Boga and Townsend. Boga is twice the player Townsend is - and then some."