EVERTON are ready to launch a shock £20million summer bid for Manchester City ace Kelechi Iheanacho – as a possible replacement for Romelu Lukaku. The 20-year-old Nigerian striker has grown frustrated at a lack of first-team opportunities under Pep Guardiola this season.
He has fallen behind £27m forward Gabriel Jesus, Spanish international Nolito and Argentine superstar Sergio Aguero in the pecking order. And Toffees boss Ronald Koeman has been alerted to the unrest, and sees him as a possible replacement for Lukaku should be join Manchester United or Chelsea this summer.
An Etihad source said: “Everton have shown an interest in Kelechi, who has been frustrated with a lack of game-time this season. He is highly-rated here, but has not started a match since January 2nd where as I’m sure he would get lots of first-team action elsewhere.
“Pep is looking to bolster his ranks and spend a fair chunk of cash this coming transfer window and the club could be persuaded to sell should the right offer come in.”
Iheanacho, who joined Manchester City’s academy in 2014, has scored eight times this season and is highly regarded at the club.
Guardiola would like to send the youngster out on loan next year, with Bundesliga sides Borussia Dortmund and Hoffenheim both interested. But the ex-Barcelona boss is believed to be planning a £200m spending spree, and needs to raise funds for his transfer war chest.
Culled from the Sun UK
