Everton could miss out on the chance to sign Middlesbrough forward Chuba Akpom this summer as Sheffield United prepare a bid.
Akpom scored 28 Championship goals in 33 games for Michael Carrick’s Middlesbrough side last season and has attracted the attention of a number of clubs.
Indeed, Everton are said to be amongst those interested in the 27-year-old alongside Crystal Palace, however Sheffield United look set to make the first move.
As per a report on TEAMtalk, the Blades are readying a £10m bid for the sought-after centre-forward, as they look to replace Iliman Ndiaye following his switch to Olympique Marseille.
With 28 league goals last season, plus another one in the FA Cup, Akpom had an outstanding campaign on Teesside, also contributing two assists.
Everton must act fast if they want to secure signature of target Chuba Akpom
Everton’s need for goalscoring reinforcements has been well documented and with Dominic Calvert-Lewin a doubt for Saturday’s clash with Fulham, the need to recruit is vital ahead of the 2023/24 season.
The Toffees have been circling the drain of the Premier League for two years now and have been tremendously fortunate to retain top-flight status, with a lack of firepower the primary cause for Everton’s woes.
The club have had ample time to recruit a centre-forward, though it appears if we don’t act fast, another potential target could be snapped up by newly promoted Sheffield United.
Akpom could be a superb signing for Sean Dyche’s side and would be a significant improvement on the £15m forward Neal Maupay, who has been linked with a Goodison exit after just one year on Merseyside.
With targets such as El Bilal Toure and Viktor Gyokeres having already snubbed a move to Everton, we can ill-afford to dilly-dally this summer, especially if the Blades are about to make an approach for Chuba Akpom.