Everton have struggled in front of goal throughout this season so it is little surprise that they have been linked with Valencia striker Rodrigo in recent days, as per HITC.

The Spanish striker staked his claim for a starting place at this summer's World Cup with a goal against world champions Germany on Friday night, as the Iberians continue their search for a potent and prolific frontman to really make the most of their mesmerising passing play.

The striker, valued at £22.5m by Transfermarkt, has 16 goals in all competitions this season and if he continues that form between now and the end of the season, he will have a great chance of being the first choice striker, given the relative struggles of Alvaro Morata and Diego Costa.

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His performance on Friday suggested that Sam Allardyce should intensify his interest in a man who doesn't appear to need many touches of the ball to make an impact.

As it has to be in this Spanish side, his linkup play was reliable, with a pass success rate of 85 per cent. Everton play a contrasting style but Allardyce will want his frontmen to be adept at bringing others into play and in order to start for Spain, Rodrigo has to do that.

He even mucked in at the other end of the pitch, with one clearance. He had just 29 touches, but when his opportunity came - his only shot of the match - he made it count and it is that clinical finishing that Everton have so sorely lacked this season.

He also had a brief loan spell with Bolton back in 2011, so Rodrigo is not an absolute stranger to English football. That's another plus point and if he does start for Spain and perform well in the summer, his stock will be high.

Everton would do well to get in there early.