According to reports in the Daily Mail, Everton have joined West Bromwich Albion and Leicester City in the race to sign Watford striker Troy Deeney this summer, but they might have to pay £35m to get him.

What’s the word, then?

Well, Toffees manager Ronald Koeman is looking to sign a new striker with Arouna Kone already announced as leaving the club and Enner Valencia returning to West Ham United following the end of his loan spell, while doubts still remain over the future of Romelu Lukaku as the Belgian is still yet to sign the long-term contract he has been offered.

One of the players that is interesting the Dutchman is Deeney, but he could cost £35m as the Hornets look to make sure they get £25m outright, with Walsall due a sell-on percentage of the fee.

Would he be a good signing for Everton?

If Koeman is looking for a back-up player for Lukaku then there is no doubt that the Watford skipper would be a good addition, for the right price.

He is now an experienced Premier League player, a leader and always puts in 100%.

As well as providing good hold up play and linking up well with his teammates, he has also scored an impressive 23 top flight goals over the past two seasons.

If the Toffees is looking for a direct Lukaku replacement however, then the Merseyside outfit can do much better.

Would he choose them over West Brom and Leicester?

With the offer of Europa League football on the table, you would think so.

But if Lukaku stays then Deeney will realise that he won’t be a starter at Goodison Park, and that could persuade him to move elsewhere.

According to The Sun, West Bom are ready to offer the 28-year-old £100,000-a-week wages as well which could be an offer that is too good to turn down.

What’s the verdict, then?

Well, if Deeney is going to cost £35m plus £100,000-a-week wages, then Everton would be better off letting him go elsewhere and bringing in a better value for money option from the Premier League or abroad.

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