According to reports by Belgian media outlet Het Nieuwsblad, Everton are leading the race to sign in demand KAS Eupen forward Henry Onyekuru – who has a £6.8m release clause and also attracted interest from Premier League rivals West Ham United and Arsenal – and they are willing to loan him out to Anderlecht next season.

What’s the word, then?

Well, the 20-year-old has become one of the most coveted young players in European football following an outstanding campaign for the Belgian side, but despite being heavily linked with the Nigerian attacker, the likes of the Irons and the Gunners have so far failed to agree a deal to bring him to England.

Now according to Het Nieuwsblad, the Toffees are said to have joined the race for the forward and they are willing to loan him to Anderlecht next season despite the fact he has got his UK work permit.

Mogi Bayat has been put in charge of getting the best deal for Eupen for Onyekuru, and the report adds that he is in England.

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How well did Onyekuru do last season?

He was outstanding and it is no wonder that he is a target for a number of Premier League teams.

The 20-year-old scored 24 goals and provided a further nine assists in 41 appearances in all competitions for the unfashionable Belgian outfit, despite spending the majority of the campaign on the left wing.

Would he be a good signing for Everton?

As is usually the case with young wingers moving to England, it would be a risk that wouldn’t be guaranteed to pay off.

However, the Nigerian’s pace, dribbling ability and goalscoring record last season would suggest that he could have an impact in the Premier League.

Loaning him out to Anderlecht would certainly give him some more experience too – both in Belgian football and in Europe – and that will only develop him as a player.

Can they win the race for his signature?

The idea to loan him to Anderlecht and develop him for a year could work for all of the parties involved, and it may be something that the likes of West Ham and Arsenal are unwilling to do.

What’s the verdict, then?

Well, it seems as though the fact that Bayat is in England and the rumours of a move to Everton coming out at the same time would suggest that discussions are under way, and it would certainly be a huge coup for the Toffees to pull off the signing.

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