Everton funds claim emerges in Atalanta race to sign Almeria striker El Bilal Toure

Everton were not able to raise the funds to make an acceptable offer to sign Almeria striker El Bilal Toure this summer, according to 90Min.

The media outlet [27 July] reports that Atalanta are set to sign the Mali international, 21, with a medical due in the next 48 hours.

He will be joining for a £26.6million fee and it’s understood that the Toffees failed to gather the money needed to secure his services.

Bad planning

Everton are not going to win a bidding war against most clubs in top five leagues that are competing in European competitions this summer.

Their best bet is to go for players under the radar or ones that the lesser clubs with very little financial or stature pull are keen on signing.

The Toure deal seemed tricky right from the start unless the striker was desperate to play in the Premier League at all costs.

He’s undoubtedly going to find it easier in Italy where he can perhaps mount a title challenge and also play in the Europa League.

It remains to be seen who the backup options now are for the Toffees as they desperately need a striker this summer.

It was clear they needed and wanted one in January as well and Sean Dyche surely must be frustrated by the lack of urgency if one is not over the line before the season begins.

In other Everton news, an exit-linked Toffees player has recently been spotted in talks with a senior Goodison Park figure ahead of the new season.